Haryana Approves Rs 474-Crore AI Push To Reinforce Gurugram’s Tech Edge Amid Noida Challenge

The Haryana Cabinet, led by Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini on Monday (5 May), approved the ambitious Rs 474.39 crore Haryana AI Development Project (HAIDP) for 2025–2028, the press release informed.

The project, backed by the World Bank under a 70:30 funding model, aims to establish Haryana as a national hub for AI-powered development.

The Cabinet also greenlit the formation of a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) under Section 8 of the Companies Act, 2013, to manage and implement externally aided initiatives like HAIDP. HARTRON will act as the nodal agency for the SPV's operational setup.

“The SPV will operate as a not-for-profit company, with the Chief Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister serving as its Chairman,” said the government statement.

The timing of the announcement is significant. Noida, in neighboring Uttar Pradesh state, is rapidly turning into India's next big IT hub, outpacing Gurugram in key indicators.

With lower commercial leases, strong infrastructure, and mega-investments, such as Microsoft's Rs 1,800 crore hyperscale data centre, Noida is luring top-tier companies and talent.

The upcoming Jewar International Airport, along with the expansive New Noida development project along the Yamuna Expressway, has further cemented its rising profile.

Confronted by such competition, HAIDP serves as Haryana's assertive counter. The initiative includes establishment of a Global Artificial Intelligence Centre (GAIC) in Gurugram, a Haryana Advanced Computing Facility (HACF) in Panchkula, and an all-encompassing upskilling initiative to train more than 50,000 professionals in AI, machine learning, and data science.

In addition, the project will enable AI assimilation in public administration, service provision, and promote AI-based start-ups through incubation and shared infrastructure.

The funding will follow the Program-for-Results (PforR) model, with disbursements tied to verified outcomes known as Disbursement-Linked Indicators (DLIs).

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