BharatNet:Gujarat to get high-speed internet in all villages

In a major boost to rural digital infrastructure, the Centre and Gujarat government on Tuesday signed a quadripartite agreement to roll out high-speed internet across all villages in the state under the Amended BharatNet Programme. The initiative marks a significant step toward inclusive connectivity, aiming to transform the quality of life in rural Gujarat.The agreement was signed in Gandhinagar between the Indian government’s Digital Bharat Nidhi (DBN), the Gujarat government, Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL), and Gujarat Fibre Grid Network Limited (GFGNL). Under the new framework, GFGNL will be responsible for implementing the BharatNet project in the state, making Gujarat the first of eight states to adopt the state-led model.
With an ambitious target of over 98% service uptime, the project will ensure that all 14,654 gram panchayats and non-gram panchayat villages in Gujarat gain access to fast and reliable internet. The Centre has already given in-principle approval for Rs 5,631 crore to support the capital expenditure and ten years of maintenance.Officials said the initiative will transform rural lives by improving education, healthcare, e-governance, digital entrepreneurship, and more. It will also empower government departments to deliver services directly to farmers, women, students, and small business owners.Connectivity will extend to mobile towers, field offices, homes, and fintech services, enabling enhanced mobile signal strength, household broadband, and rural startup support. The high-speed internet — with a minimum download speed of 25 Mbps per Fiber-to-the-Home user — will enable real-time governance and foster innovation at the grassroots.
At the national level, the Amended BharatNet Programme targets 2.64 lakh gram panchayats and 3.8 lakh non-gram panchayat villages across India. Approved by the Union Cabinet on August 4, 2023, the programme has an outlay of Rs1.39 lakh crore.BSNL will serve as the Project Management Agency, with execution partners operating under the Design, Build, Operate, and Maintain model. Over the next five years, the scheme is expected to benefit 1.5 crore rural homes, institutions, and enterprises, accelerating India’s digital transformation journey.

(State Correspondent)