BharatNet gets ₹1,684-crore push in Jharkhand; 26,777 villages to get on-demand connectivity

New Delhi: Rural broadband connectivity in Jharkhand is set for a major expansion, with the Centre approving ₹1,684 crore for the Amended BharatNet Programme (ABP), which will cover 4,395 gram panchayats and provide on-demand connectivity to 26,777 villages.

An agreement for implementing the programme under the state-led model was signed in New Delhi on Thursday between Digital Bharat Nidhi (DBN), the Department of Telecommunications (DoT), the Jharkhand government, Jharkhand Digital Infrastructure Corporation Ltd (JDICL), Bharat Sanchar Nigam Ltd (BSNL) and Jharkhand Communication Network Ltd (JCNL).

The project will be implemented through the newly created JDICL, which will serve as the special purpose vehicle for the programme in the state.

Of the 4,395 gram panchayats covered, 4,387 will be upgraded from linear to ring topology, aimed at improving network resilience and reducing the impact of network failures. Eight newly created gram panchayats will also be brought under the programme.

In addition, 26,777 villages will receive broadband connectivity on a demand basis, strengthening last-mile access in rural and remote areas.

The Centre’s financial support is expected to facilitate more than four lakh rural fibre-to-the-home (FTTH) connections, with subsidy support from the government.

The expanded network is expected to improve access to a range of digital services, including e-governance, online education, telemedicine, digital payments and citizen-centric services.

Officials said the agreement marks an important step towards faster implementation of the programme and reflects cooperation between the Centre and Jharkhand government to strengthen rural digital infrastructure.

The Union Cabinet approved the Amended BharatNet Programme in August 2023 to upgrade, consolidate and expand the existing BharatNet network and provide robust, future-ready broadband connectivity to gram panchayats and villages on demand.

Digital Bharat Nidhi, formerly known as the Universal Service Obligation Fund (USOF), operates under the Department of Telecommunications and supports telecom services in underserved rural, remote and urban areas.

Its projects include BharatNet, the 4G Saturation Project and mobile connectivity initiatives in uncovered, border, Himalayan, island, northeastern and Left Wing Extremism-affected areas.