A&NI administration withdraws green AI data centre EoI just days after issuing it — Explained
The Andaman and Nicobar (A&NI) administration has withdrawn its Expression of Interest (EoI) for a private-sector-led green AI data centre in the islands, merely four days after publishing the document. The EoI, issued on August 10, sought feasibility proposals from potential investors for developing hyperscale and AI-focused data-centre infrastructure powered by renewable energy. The withdrawal notice, issued on August 14 — the eve of Independence Day — cited “administrative reasons” and said the decision takes effect immediately.
The now-withdrawn EoI invited proposals for “renewable energy powered data centre operations” that use “freshwater-free” cooling solutions, including seawater-based or other innovative cooling systems. It also called for ideas on waste-heat recovery for applications like low-temperature desalination, and on submarine and terrestrial digital connectivity. The administration described the exercise as a “market sounding” to identify private-sector interest, not a formal tender, and proposals were to be submitted by September 24.
Eligible entities included reputed hyperscalers, cloud service providers, AI infrastructure companies, data-centre developers and operators, marine-engineering companies, renewable-energy companies, sub-sea connectivity providers, and other technically qualified firms, either individually or as part of a consortium. The administration had stated that the project aimed to leverage the islands’ strategic location, access to seawater, renewable-energy potential, submarine optical-fibre connectivity, and proximity to important Indo-Pacific maritime routes.
The EoI identified specific potential sites: Hutbay Sea Area and Netaji Nagar Sea Area on Little Andaman, and Campbell Bay, Anderson Bay, Vijay Nagar Bay, and Gandhi Nagar Bay Sea Areas on Great Nicobar Island. These areas fall within zones already earmarked for a mega-infrastructure project on Great Nicobar Island, which includes an airport, a transshipment port, and a tourism township. The draft master plan for that project — covering water, power, and connectivity — makes no mention of a green AI data centre.
Local Nicobarese communities have been opposing the ₹91,000 crore mega-project, citing environmental and cultural concerns. The data centre EoI’s rapid withdrawal adds another layer of uncertainty. The administration has not yet clarified whether the EoI will be reissued after a review, leaving stakeholders and observers questioning the feasibility of establishing such infrastructure in the ecologically sensitive archipelago.
The A&NI administration had also posted the EoI on its official social media channels, amplifying its reach before the abrupt rollback. As of now, no official reason beyond “administrative reasons” has been provided, and no revised timeline for a fresh call has been announced.
