Tata Communications is putting down $400–450 million (about ₹4,350 crore) to build a high-speed fibre network that ties together India’s main AI and data centre hubs. They’re calling it the “AI Super Highway.”
This project will run roughly 10,000 km of new long-haul fibre across the country, making it one of the biggest AI-ready networks India’s seen. Tata says this new setup will hook right into their global network, pushing support for everything from AI to cloud computing, hyperscale data centres, and heavy-duty enterprise tasks.
So, what’s this new network going to do? Basically, it’s meant to link big data-centre clusters with hyperscalers, cloud providers, GCCs, banks, and other companies that need fast, secure connections. According to their filing, the expansion should boost network capacity by about 6 petabits per second (Pbps) between FY2030 and FY2036, all funded from their own operating cash flows.
Tata wants this network to handle next-gen AI workloads—think transferring data between giant computing clusters or reaching international cable landing stations—with the kind of speed and resilience those use cases demand.
They’re rolling it out in three phases:
First, Mumbai–Pune–Hyderabad–Chennai, covering one of the biggest routes for AI and cloud, plus key gateways.
Next, the network stretches from Hyderabad to Vizag and Chennai, branching along the east coast.
Finally, the last phase pulls in Bhubaneswar, Vizag, Bengaluru, Chennai, Mumbai, Ahmedabad, and Jamnagar—reaching both growing data centre ecosystems and big business zones like GIFT City.
The first phase is especially important because it links Mumbai and Chennai, which are India’s main access points to the rest of the world through undersea cables.
So, why does this matter? India’s AI ramp-up is sending demand for high-capacity, ultra-reliable connectivity through the roof. By building this “Super Highway,” Tata Communications is setting up the backbone for all that data to move quickly and securely—something AI workloads can’t do without.
Tata’s aiming to offer more than just basic data links. They want to give businesses a complete “fabric” of connectivity, so that data flows smoothly between data centres, cloud regions, and company offices—exactly what modern AI setups require.
This isn’t Tata’s first push, either. They’ve already invested in laying AI-ready subsea cables between India and Singapore, helping stitch together India’s data centres with Southeast Asian cloud platforms.
On the company side, executives are calling this a major strategic move for India’s digital and AI future. CEO Ganesh Lakshminarayan said this highway will involve around 10,000 km of new fibre. And the plan is to invest up to $450 million over the next three to five years, according to their global network services chief Rupesh Chokshi.
They’re not the only ones gearing up; Indian telecom and infra companies are all ramping up to handle surging AI data traffic. For businesses, this could mean much better, faster connections between their offices and data centres.
What’s still up in the air? There’s no completion date for the entire 10,000-km network—just a vague window for adding capacity from FY2030 to FY2036. Tata hasn’t talked about contracts, pricing, or revenue targets yet, either.
Both investors and business customers are watching closely. This move signals Tata’s shift from regular telecom to specialised AI and data-centre infrastructure. And if they pull it off, this network could become the backbone for India’s next wave of AI, cloud, and hyperscale computing.
