In a significant step towards strengthening digital infrastructure and accelerating broadband connectivity across rural Maharashtra, Digital Bharat Nidhi (DBN) under Department of Telecommunications (DoT) signed an agreement for implementation of the Amended BharatNet Program (ABP) in the state under the state-led model.
The agreement was signed between DBN, DoT; government of Maharashtra; MahaNet Digital Infrastructure Limited (MDIL); Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) and Maharashtra Information Technology Corporation Limited (MahaIT) for implementation of the ABP in the state of Maharashtra.
The signing of the agreement marks an important milestone towards expeditious implementation of the program and reflects the shared commitment of the central government and the government of Maharashtra towards strengthening rural digital infrastructure, enhancing last-mile connectivity and promoting inclusive digital growth.
The union cabinet had approved the ABP on August 4, 2023, with the objective of upgrading, consolidating and expanding the existing BharatNet network to ensure robust and future-ready broadband connectivity to all Gram Panchayats and villages on demand basis.
Under the ABP in Maharashtra, the project will be implemented through MDIL. The program will have a total scope of 28,237 gram panchayats, which includes upgradation of 15,171 phase I gram panchayats from linear to ring topology to enhance network resilience, coverage of 12,740 phase II gram panchayats, and inclusion of 326 newly created gram panchayats. In addition, 15,799 villages will be provided connectivity on a demand basis to strengthen last-mile connectivity.
The government of India has approved financial support of Rs 105.20 billion for implementation of the program in Maharashtra. The initiative is expected to facilitate more than 0.9 million rural home fibre connections with financial support from the government of India and significantly enhance delivery of digital services including e-Governance, online education, telemedicine, digital payments and citizen-centric services across rural and remote areas of the state.