Nagpur: In a major step towards strengthening the security and continuity of Maharashtra’s digital governance systems, the state govt has approved the establishment of an independent Disaster Data Recovery Centre (DRC) in Nagpur. The project, aimed at safeguarding critical departmental data, portals and services, has been sanctioned at a cost of Rs387 crore.The state’s primary data centre is already operational. However, to ensure uninterrupted administrative functioning during natural disasters, technical failures or cyberattacks, a robust continuity mechanism has been deemed essential. Acting on directives issued by chief minister Devendra Fadnavis during a review meeting of the govt’s 100-day action plan, the new DRC will now be set up in Nagpur.The project timeline includes two months for site planning and civil works, two months for non-IT preparations, three months for hardware and network installation, one month for software and security configurations, and another month for testing and optimisation. Once operational, the centre will allow govt systems to continue functioning seamlessly even in the event of technical disruptions.Funding for the project will be drawn from provisions sanctioned for the state’s e-governance initiatives through the Maharashtra State SETU Society. The director of the Directorate of Information Technology will oversee the implementation of the project. Officials said the facility will significantly bolster Maharashtra’s digital infrastructure and enhance the resilience of govt services.
