Amazon’s $8.3 Billion Bet on Maharashtra Boosts Growth and CSR Commitments

Fadnavis inaugurates AWS data centre virtually, hails investment as catalyst for state development

MUMBAI, Sept 23 — Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Tuesday said that Amazon’s investments in the state will not only strengthen the technology ecosystem but also play a vital role in social development through its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives.

Speaking at the virtual groundbreaking ceremony of Amazon Web Services’ (AWS) data centre in Mumbai, the Chief Minister noted that the company had signed an MoU during the World Economic Forum in Davos to bring large-scale investments into cloud infrastructure in the state. “Maharashtra has emerged as the most attractive destination for investors in India. Amazon’s continued commitment will accelerate our growth, and its CSR contributions will further help in critical areas like power supply, clean water, education, and skill development,” Fadnavis said.

The AWS project marks the launch of its first-phase investment of $8.3 billion in Maharashtra. The ceremony was attended by Kaustubh Dhavse, the CM’s investment advisor, AWS global public policy vice-president Michael Punke, South Asia and India president Sandeep Dutta, Asia Pacific director Vikram Sridharan, and India infrastructure director Aditya Chaudhary along with senior executives.

Fadnavis underlined the state’s efforts to make industrial setups easier by cutting red tape and expediting approvals. He highlighted the creation of a “Ease of Doing Business War Room”, which offers real-time updates on project clearances to ensure entrepreneurs face fewer hurdles.

On behalf of AWS, the Chief Minister was invited to visit the company’s global headquarters in Seattle, USA. The event also featured a presentation of ongoing CSR projects in Maharashtra covering energy, water, education, and skill-building initiatives.

In a significant launch, Fadnavis also flagged off India’s first “Think Big Mobile STEM Lab”, a specially designed van under the Amazon Mobile STEM Lab initiative. The van will tour Mumbai, providing schoolchildren access to modern technology, research tools, and hands-on learning in science and innovation.

Amazon’s investment is expected to create new employment opportunities, strengthen digital infrastructure, and expand access to cutting-edge cloud technology, while its CSR programmes aim to directly benefit local communities across Maharashtra.