**Executive Summary**
The 12th State Broadband Committee (SBC) met in Mumbai on July 1, 2026, to review the progress of telecom infrastructure and digital connectivity across Maharashtra. Chaired by the Chief Secretary, the meeting focused on the implementation of the Telecommunications Act 2023 and the Right of Way (RoW) Rules 2024. Key directives were issued to streamline infrastructure approvals and integrate telecom planning into all future public projects to ensure inclusive digital growth.
**Key Points / Main Content**
**Regulatory and Policy Review**
* Reviewed the implementation status of the Telecommunications Act, 2023, and the Telecommunications (Right of Way) Rules, 2024.
* Assessed the progress of the Centralized Right of Way (RoW) Portal.
* Evaluated the Scheme for Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment (SASCI).
**Infrastructure Development and Strategy**
* Emphasized strengthening telecom connectivity specifically in underserved and remote areas.
* Mandated the integration of telecom infrastructure into the planning of all future public infrastructure projects.
* Initiated the formulation of a Common Duct Policy to facilitate more efficient connectivity.
**Operational Safety and Efficiency**
* Directed the promotion and adoption of the "Call Before You Dig" (CBuD) application to prevent accidental damage to underground utility assets.
* Ordered the uniform implementation of Right of Way Rules across the entire state to ensure consistency.
**Impact Analysis**
**Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) and Municipal Corporations**
**Impact**
ULBs are now under direct mandate to standardize and accelerate their administrative processes regarding telecom infrastructure.
**Action Required**
Must ensure the timely disposal of Right of Way applications and strictly adhere to the uniform implementation of the Right of Way Rules.
**Telecom Service Providers (TSPs) and Infrastructure Providers (IPs)**
**Impact**
These providers will benefit from a more streamlined application process and a formal framework for infrastructure protection.
**Action Required**
Adopt the "Call Before You Dig" (CBuD) application and coordinate with state departments for the integration of infrastructure into public projects.
**State Government Departments (IT, Urban Development, Revenue, and Energy)**
**Impact**
These departments are required to shift toward a highly coordinated, multi-sectoral approach to digital infrastructure.
**Action Required**
Formulate a Common Duct Policy and ensure close coordination with the Department of Telecommunications and industry stakeholders to support the state’s digital vision.
Key Entities Referenced
State Broadband Committee (SBC): The nodal body responsible for reviewing and overseeing the progress of telecom infrastructure and digital connectivity within the state.
Telecommunications Act, 2023: The primary central legislation governing the telecom sector, whose implementation progress was a key focus of the review meeting.
Telecommunications (Right of Way) Rules, 2024: Regulatory framework governing the installation of telecom infrastructure, emphasized for uniform implementation across all local bodies.
Scheme for Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment (SASCI): A financial initiative reviewed for its role in supporting state-level capital investment in telecom and digital projects.
Maharashtra: The state jurisdiction for which the committee's directives and digital infrastructure reviews are applicable.
Ministry of Communications
12th State Broadband Committee reviews
Telecom Infrastructure and Digital Connectivity
across Maharashtra
प्रव तथ: 03 JUL 2026 2:31PM by PIB Mumbai
: Mumbai, July 3, 2026
The 12th State Broadband Committee (SBC) Meeting under the Chairmanship of the
Shri Rajesh Aggarwal, Chief Secretary, Government of Maharashtra, to review the
progress of telecom infrastructure and digital connectivity across the State was held
in Mumbai on 1st July, 2026.
The Committee reviewed the implementation of the Telecommunications Act, 2023,
the Telecommunications (Right of Way) Rules, 2024, the progress of the Centralized
Right of Way (RoW) Portal, and the Scheme for Special Assistance to States for
Capital Investment (SASCI).The Chief Secretary directed all Urban Local Bodies to ensure timely disposal of
Right of Way applications and uniform implementation of the Right of Way Rules
across the State. The meeting also emphasized strengthening telecom connectivity
in underserved and remote areas, promoting the adoption of the Call Before You Dig
(CBuD) application to prevent accidental damage to underground utility
infrastructure, formulation of a Common Duct Policy, and integration of telecom
infrastructure into all future public infrastructure projects to facilitate faster, more
efficient, and future-ready digital connectivity across Maharashtra.
The meeting was attended by Shri Virendra Singh, Secretary, Information
Technology Department, Government of Maharashtra; Shri Radheshyam Parmar,
Special Director General, Telecom, Maharashtra LSA, Department of
Telecommunications (DoT); Shri Sumnesh Joshi, Deputy Director General, DoT
Mumbai; Shri Neeresh Sharma, Deputy Director General, DoT Nagpur; senior
officers of the Information Technology, Urban Development, Revenue and Energy
Departments; Commissioners of various Municipal Corporations; representatives of
Telecom Service Providers (TSPs), Infrastructure Providers (IPs), MSEDCL; and
other key stakeholders.
The Committee reiterated the State Government's commitment to creating a robust
digital infrastructure ecosystem through close coordination among Government
departments, local bodies, the Department of Telecommunications, and industry
stakeholders, thereby supporting Maharashtra's vision of inclusive digital growth and
seamless connectivity.
***
Source - Department of Telecommunications / Edgar Coelho/Parshuram Kor
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