“Remaining works at the Disaster Recovery Data Centre must be completed within the stipulated timeframe to ensure secure, reliable and uninterrupted Government services,” said Adv Ashish Shelar, Minister of Information Technology during an inspection of the facility at Gaddigodam on Saturday. Adv Shelar reviewed the progress of the State’s Disaster Recovery Data Centre being developed at Gaddigodam Metro Station. Spread across nearly 14,000 sq ft, the centre is being established to safeguard critical government data and ensure continuity of services during emergencies and system failures. The Minister said the project, being implemented under the guidance of Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, would play a crucial role in protecting digital records and strengthening the State Government’s information technology infrastructure.

 

Once fully operational, the centre is expected to improve the reliability, security and efficiency of government operations across departments. Laxmikant Tripathi, Nodal Officer, Electronics, Information Technology and Artificial Intelligence Department; Sandeep Bapat, Executive Director, Maha Metro; and Sudhakar Urade, General Manager, were present during the inspection. Focus on safety and preparedness: During the visit, Adv Shelar reviewed the centre’s technical preparedness and examined key facilities, including the server room, control room, emergency units and security infrastructure. He directed officials to strengthen planning for emergency situations and ensure robust safety mechanisms are in place. The Minister also stressed the importance of maintaining uninterrupted cooling systems required for the continuous functioning of servers.

 

He sought details regarding water availability and alternative arrangements to support cooling operations in case of contingencies. Coordination to speed up work: Adv Shelar instructed officials from various departments to maintain close coordination and closely monitor project timelines so that pending works are completed without delay. Officials briefed him on the current status of the project and outlined plans for the remaining phases. The Minister emphasised that the centre would serve as a critical backup facility for government data, helping ensure uninterrupted public services and faster recovery of digital systems during disasters or technical disruptions.