RBI’s 2nd Secure Data Centre in Odisha

RBI ESTABLISHES SECOND SECURE DATA CENTRE IN ODISHA

Why in the News?

  • Infrastructure Expansion: Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has operationalised its second high-security data centre in Bhubaneswar, Odisha.
  • Strategic Location: Facility is positioned away from cross-border threat zones and high seismic-risk areas to ensure operational resilience.

RBI's 2nd Secure Data Centre in Odisha

STRATEGIC SIGNIFICANCE OF THE NEW DATA CENTRE

  • Critical Infrastructure: The centre will host core computing systems supporting currency management, payment settlement, and regulatory databases.
  • Geographical Safety: Odisha location reduces vulnerability to cross-border missile or drone threats and major seismic disturbances.
  • Continuity Framework: The facility strengthens business continuity and disaster recovery mechanisms for India’s financial systems.
  • Greenfield Development: Built on an 18.55-acre campus at Info Valley-II, Khordha, reflecting long-term infrastructure planning.
  • Redundancy Planning: Complements RBI’s existing primary data centre at Navi Mumbai, ensuring system redundancy.

IMPLICATIONS FOR FINANCIAL AND CYBER SECURITY

  • Financial Stability: Securing digital infrastructure enhances stability of currency issuance and payment systems.
  • Cyber Resilience: Distributed data architecture improves defence against cyberattacks and systemic disruptions.
  • Digital Economy Backbone: Reliable infrastructure underpins platforms such as UPI, RTGS, and NEFT, critical for economic transactions.
  • National Security Dimension: Protection of financial data forms part of broader critical information infrastructure security.
  • Policy Integration: Aligns with India’s push toward secure digital public infrastructure and sovereign data management.

CRITICAL INFORMATION INFRASTRUCTURE PROTECTION

●  Definition Scope: Critical Information Infrastructure refers to systems whose disruption can impact national security, economy, and public order.

●  Legal Framework: Protection governed under provisions of the Information Technology Act, 2000 and related cybersecurity policies.

●  Institutional Mechanism: Agencies like NCIIPC and CERT-In coordinate protection of critical digital assets.

●  Disaster Recovery: Establishing geographically dispersed data centres enhances resilience and redundancy.

●  UPSC Relevance: Topic connects with GS Paper III, covering cybersecurity, financial stability, and infrastructure governance.