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BharatNet Bridges Digital Divide, Empowering Rural India with Broadband

Union Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia stated that the BharatNet project is pivotal in transforming India into a digitally empowered society by bridging the rural-urban digital divide. The program, one of the world's largest government-led connectivity initiatives, has already connected nearly 2.14 lakh gram panchayats with optical fibre cable. Progress includes significant coverage in states like Tamil Nadu and the launch of the National Broadband Mission 2.0 with ambitious targets for 2030. The government has also drastically reduced bureaucratic delays, cutting Right of Way application processing from 455 days to just over 30 days.

Key Points: BharatNet: Transforming India into Digitally Empowered Society

  • World's largest govt-led connectivity program
  • Connects 2.14 lakh gram panchayats
  • $16.9 billion BharatNet initiative
  • Targets 2.7 lakh villages by 2030
  • RoW application time slashed from 455 to 30 days
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BharatNet transforming India into digitally empowered society: Jyotiraditya Scindia

Union Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia highlights BharatNet's role in bridging the digital divide and expanding rural broadband access across India.

BharatNet transforming India into digitally empowered society: Jyotiraditya Scindia
"Over the last eleven years, under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India has witnessed an unprecedented expansion in mobile and broadband connectivity, driving a historic digital transformation. - Jyotiraditya Scindia"

New Delhi, Feb 12

Union Minister for Communications and Development of North Eastern Region, Jyotiraditya Scindia, on Thursday said that BharatNet is playing a transformative role in turning India into a digitally empowered society by bridging the digital divide and expanding broadband access across rural areas.

Replying to a question in the Rajya Sabha, the Minister described BharatNet as one of the world's largest government-led connectivity programmes and said it reflects the government's commitment to providing internet access to every citizen in the country.

He said that over the past eleven years, under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India has witnessed unprecedented growth in mobile and broadband connectivity, leading to a historic digital transformation.

"Over the last eleven years, under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India has witnessed an unprecedented expansion in mobile and broadband connectivity, driving a historic digital transformation," Scindia stated.

Highlighting the progress under BharatNet, the Minister said the project connects gram panchayats through Optical Fibre Cable (OFC). Out of 2.56 lakh gram panchayats in the country, nearly 2.14 lakh have been made online under BharatNet Phases I and II, implemented at an approximate cost of Rs 42,000 crore.

In Tamil Nadu, the project is being implemented through the state's special purpose vehicle, Tanfinet.

Out of 12,525 gram panchayats in the state, 10,869 have been connected so far. The remaining gram panchayats and 4,767 non-gram panchayat villages will be covered under the amended BharatNet Programme, a $16.9 billion initiative described as the largest government-led connectivity programme globally.

"Cooperation from States in implementing Right of Way regulations and portals will significantly accelerate broadband expansion and ensure timely benefits to citizens," Scindia emphasised.

Scindia also spoke about the National Broadband Mission (NBM) 2.0, launched on April 1, 2025, which has set key targets to be achieved by 2030.

He said that OFC connectivity with 95 per cent uptime has already been achieved in 42,000 villages as of December 2025, with a target of covering 2.7 lakh villages by 2030.

The Minister noted that the average time taken for disposal of Right of Way (RoW) applications has been reduced significantly from 455 days to 30.4 days, achieving the 2030 target ahead of schedule.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
While the numbers look good on paper, the real test is the quality and affordability of the service. In my district, the BharatNet connection is often unstable. The government must ensure reliable uptime and work with ISPs to offer cheap data plans for the rural poor.
P
Priya S
Connecting over 2 lakh gram panchayats is no small feat. This infrastructure will unlock so much potential for agri-tech, telemedicine, and digital payments in remote areas. Hope they keep up the pace to cover the remaining villages soon. Jai Hind!
R
Rohit P
The cost is massive - 42,000 crore! As a taxpayer, I just hope there is strict monitoring against corruption and the funds are used efficiently. Also, states need to cooperate fully. Digital India can only succeed with centre-state teamwork.
M
Meera T
Good progress. But internet access alone isn't enough. We need massive digital literacy drives, especially for women and senior citizens in villages. Otherwise, this bridge will only be used by a few. The mission should focus on training as well.
D
David E
Reducing approval time from 455 days to 30 days is a remarkable bureaucratic reform. This is the kind of efficiency needed to actually implement big projects. If they can maintain 95% uptime as claimed, it will be a world-class achievement.

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