Bengaluru : The Karnataka Power Transmission Corporation Limited (KPTCL) is set to commercialise surplus “dark fibre” on its 6,119-kilometre Optical Ground Wire (OPGW) network, a move aimed at strengthening Karnataka’s digital infrastructure while creating a new long-term revenue stream for the power transmission utility.
The initiative will allow KPTCL to make productive use of unused optical fibre capacity in its existing network, officials said on Saturday.
12 Fibre Pairs to Be Commercialised
KPTCL currently has 24 optical fibre pairs on its OPGW network. Of these, the corporation will retain 12 pairs for its captive grid communication requirements.
The remaining 12 fibre pairs will be leased commercially to licensed telecom service providers, data network companies and other authorised service providers.
The dark fibre refers to unused, unlit optical fibre that is currently not carrying data.
KPTCL Expects ₹130 Crore Fixed Revenue
Following completion of a competitive bidding process, the project is expected to generate approximately ₹130 crore in fixed revenue for KPTCL over the 15-year contract period.
In addition to the fixed revenue, KPTCL will receive 40% of the revenue generated from leasing the dark fibre. The corporation will also earn co-location charges wherever its substation infrastructure is used.
The arrangement is expected to create a sustainable revenue model by optimising the use of existing public infrastructure.
Selected Agency to Manage Operations
Under the proposed arrangement, the selected agency will be responsible for:
- Marketing and leasing the dark fibre
- Onboarding customers
- Operating and maintaining the OPGW network
- Billing and revenue collection
- Ensuring service quality throughout the contract period
KPTCL will receive a fixed annual fee along with revenue-sharing benefits under the agreement.
Focus on Karnataka’s Digital Infrastructure
Karnataka Energy and Tourism Minister K J George said the initiative reflects KPTCL’s evolving role beyond conventional power transmission.
“KPTCL is no longer just a power transmission utility; it is also playing a significant role in building Karnataka’s digital infrastructure.”
George said commercialising surplus dark fibre would help optimise public assets while creating a sustainable long-term revenue stream for KPTCL.
He added that the initiative could also accelerate the expansion of high-speed digital connectivity and Karnataka’s digital economy.
The move marks an important step toward leveraging existing power-sector infrastructure for digital connectivity while generating additional revenue for the state-owned transmission corporation.
