Summary:
The Department of Telecommunications (DoT), through Digital Bharat Nidhi (DBN), has signed an agreement with the Gujarat Government, GFGNL, and BSNL to implement the Amended BharatNet Programme under a state-led model. Backed by an approved investment of ₹5,629 crore, the project will upgrade broadband infrastructure across 14,287 Gram Panchayats, extend connectivity to 3,895 villages, and enable over five lakh rural fibre connections. The initiative aims to improve last-mile broadband access, strengthen digital public services such as e-governance, education, telemedicine, and digital payments, while advancing the goals of Digital India and reducing the rural digital divide.
The Department of Telecommunications (DoT), through Digital Bharat Nidhi (DBN), has executed an addendum to roll out the Amended BharatNet Programme in Gujarat under the State-led implementation model. The initiative is intended to strengthen broadband infrastructure, enhance last-mile connectivity, and deliver faster digital services to rural regions across the state.
The agreement was signed at Sanchar Bhawan in New Delhi by representatives of Digital Bharat Nidhi, the Government of Gujarat, Gujarat Fibre Grid Network Limited (GFGNL), and Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL). The document was signed by P. Bharathi, Secretary of Gujarat’s Department of Science and Technology, and Dinesh Kumar Garg, Deputy Director General at DoT, in the presence of Digital Bharat Nidhi Administrator Shyamal Misra and senior officials from the participating organisations. Officials described the agreement as an important milestone in strengthening Gujarat’s digital infrastructure and promoting inclusive development in rural areas.
Network Upgrade to Cover More Than 14,000 Gram Panchayats
The Union Cabinet approved the Amended BharatNet Programme in August 2023 to modernise and expand the existing BharatNet network, ensuring dependable broadband connectivity for Gram Panchayats and villages across India.
In Gujarat, GFGNL will oversee project execution. The programme includes 14,287 Gram Panchayats, with 14,264 existing Gram Panchayats being upgraded from a linear network to a ring topology, improving network reliability and minimising service interruptions. The project also incorporates 23 newly established Gram Panchayats. In addition, broadband connectivity will be extended to 3,895 villages based on demand, helping improve internet availability in remote locations through stronger last-mile connectivity.
Enhanced Digital Access for Rural Communities
The Government of India has sanctioned ₹5,629 crore for implementing the programme in Gujarat. Once completed, the initiative is expected to facilitate over five lakh rural home fibre connections, substantially increasing access to high-speed broadband across the state.
Officials noted that the expanded network will improve the delivery of digital public services, including e-governance, online education, telemedicine, digital payments, and other citizen-focused services. Improved connectivity is also expected to create new opportunities for students, businesses, healthcare providers, and rural communities while supporting the broader objectives of the Digital India programme.
The agreement further reflects the government’s commitment to narrowing the digital divide by providing villages and Gram Panchayats with reliable broadband infrastructure capable of meeting future connectivity requirements.
