Revised BharatNet Programme to cover 11,682 Gram Panchayats and provide on-demand connectivity to 8,328 villages across Chhattisgarh
Raipur: A major step has been taken to strengthen rural digital infrastructure and expand broadband connectivity across Chhattisgarh, with the Digital Bharat Nidhi (DBN), Department of Telecommunications (DoT), and the Chhattisgarh Government signing an agreement for implementation of the Amended BharatNet Programme (ABP).
The Government of India has approved ₹3,942 crore in financial support for implementation of the programme in Chhattisgarh. The initiative will cover a total of 11,682 Gram Panchayats and provide on-demand connectivity to 8,328 villages, significantly strengthening rural telecommunications infrastructure across the state.
Revised BharatNet Programme in Chhattisgarh
Under the agreement, the Amended BharatNet Programme will be implemented through a state-led model to improve broadband connectivity and strengthen the digital infrastructure of rural Chhattisgarh.
The agreement was signed in New Delhi at Sanchar Bhawan under the Department of Telecommunications.
The initiative is aimed at strengthening rural digital infrastructure, improving last-mile connectivity and promoting inclusive digital development across the state.
The Union Cabinet had approved the Amended BharatNet Programme on August 4, 2023, with the objective of upgrading, strengthening and expanding the existing BharatNet network and providing robust, future-ready broadband connectivity to Gram Panchayats and villages on demand.
Key Organisations Sign Agreement
The agreement for implementation of the programme in Chhattisgarh involves:
- Digital Bharat Nidhi (DBN)
- Government of Chhattisgarh
- Chhattisgarh State BharatNet Infrastructure Limited (CSBIL)
- Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL)
- Chhattisgarh Infotech Promotion Society (CHiPS)
The signing ceremony was attended by Shyamala Mishra, Administrator, Digital Bharat Nidhi; Ankit Anand, Secretary, Department of Electronics and Information Technology, Government of Chhattisgarh; Mayank Agrawal, Managing Director, CSBIL; Papa Sudhakar Rao, Director, BSNL; and Dinesh Kumar Garg, DDG, Department of Telecommunications.
The signing marks an important milestone in accelerating implementation of the programme and reflects the joint commitment of the Central and Chhattisgarh governments towards strengthening rural connectivity.
11,682 Gram Panchayats to Be Covered
The Amended BharatNet Programme in Chhattisgarh will cover 11,682 Gram Panchayats through CSBIL.
The project includes:
- 4,048 Phase-I Gram Panchayats to be upgraded from linear topology to ring topology for greater network resilience.
- 5,964 Phase-II Gram Panchayats to be covered under the programme.
- 1,670 newly created Gram Panchayats to be brought under the network.
- 8,328 villages to receive on-demand last-mile connectivity.
The shift from linear to ring topology is expected to improve network reliability and reduce the impact of disruptions by providing alternative connectivity paths.
₹3,942 Crore Investment to Strengthen Rural Connectivity
The Government of India has approved ₹3,942 crore in financial assistance for implementing the programme in Chhattisgarh.
The initiative is expected to facilitate fibre connectivity to more than three lakh rural households across the state.
Improved broadband infrastructure will also support the delivery of several digital services in rural and remote areas, including:
- E-governance services
- Online education
- Telemedicine
- Digital payments
- Citizen-centric government services
- Digital financial services
- Other online public services
Boost to Digital Inclusion in Rural Chhattisgarh
The expansion of BharatNet is particularly significant for remote and rural areas of Chhattisgarh, where reliable high-speed internet connectivity can improve access to education, healthcare, government services and digital commerce.
The programme is expected to strengthen the last-mile digital infrastructure and enable more households, institutions and local bodies to participate in the digital economy.
With the agreement now signed, implementation of the Amended BharatNet Programme in Chhattisgarh is expected to gather pace.
The initiative is aimed at building a digitally empowered society and knowledge-based economy, while ensuring that rural and remote communities are better integrated into India’s expanding digital ecosystem.
