Veteran Bollywood actor Jeetendra Kapoor and his family have sold a prime piece of land in Andheri, Mumbai, to NTT Global Data Centers and Cloud Infrastructure India, a subsidiary of Japanese IT giant NTT Data, for a staggering ₹855 crore. The transaction, finalized in May 2025, underscores the escalating demand for data centers in India, fueled by the artificial intelligence (AI) and cloud computing boom.
The land parcel, spanning approximately 2.39 acres (9,664.68 square meters), currently houses Balaji IT Park, which includes three constructed buildings with a cumulative built-up area of around 4.9 lakh sq ft. The sale was executed through two family-owned firms, Pantheon Buildcon Private Limited and Tusshar Infra Developers Private Limited. Property records indicate that the deal attracted a stamp duty of ₹8.69 crore and registration charges of ₹30,000.
Andheri, a bustling suburb in Mumbai, is a strategic commercial hub known for its connectivity and blend of office spaces, co-working centers, retail outlets, and residential developments. Its accessibility via the Western Express Highway, Link Road, SV Road, and the Versova-Andheri-Ghatkopar Metro line makes it an attractive location for businesses and data centers.
This sale aligns with the broader trend of global tech giants expanding their data center infrastructure in India. Mumbai is a prime location for data centers, ranking 6th globally in under-construction data center capacity with 335 MW. This growth is propelled by the increasing adoption of cloud computing, AI, and the need for robust data storage solutions. Mumbai's strategic advantages include its status as India's financial capital, a major hub for corporate headquarters and financial institutions, and its extensive connectivity with 12 cable landing stations.
India's data center industry is experiencing unprecedented growth, with projections indicating a 66% increase in capacity by 2026. This expansion requires significant investment, estimated at US$3.8 billion, and approximately 7.3 million square feet of real estate. Mumbai is expected to maintain its leadership position as a data center hub, with Navi Mumbai emerging as a key location due to its connectivity and infrastructure. Experts predict India's data center capacity will reach 1,800 MW by 2026.
Several factors contribute to this boom. Firstly, the increasing demand from cloud service providers (CSPs) is a major driver. Secondly, India boasts one of the lowest data usage costs globally and is the world's second-largest mobile user market, fostering strong digital growth. Thirdly, the Indian government's initiatives, including investments in AI infrastructure and the rollout of 5G technology, are further fueling the demand for data centers.
However, the data center industry also faces challenges, including land availability and power constraints in certain locations. The implementation of the Digital Personal Data Protection Act and its accompanying rules will also impact colocation data center operators, potentially increasing compliance requirements and operational costs.
Despite these challenges, the long-term outlook for the Indian data center market remains positive. NTT's acquisition of Jeetendra's land in Andheri is a testament to the country's growing importance as a global data center hub. This transaction will enable NTT Global Data Centers to expand its digital infrastructure in India and cater to the rising demand for cloud and data services. Other companies, such as Amazon Web Services (AWS), CtrlS Datacenters, Sify, and STT Global Data Centres India, are also making significant investments in data centers across India, particularly in Mumbai and Hyderabad.
