## BharatNet Project Status Update - July 2025
This report summarizes the status of the BharatNet project as of July 2025, based on a response to Lok Sabha Unstarred Question No. 556. The BharatNet project, aimed at connecting 2.5 lakh Gram Panchayats (GPs) with broadband, has experienced delays with missed deadlines in 2014, 2015, 2019 and 2023. Challenges contributing to these delays include difficulties in obtaining Right of Way (RoW) permissions, particularly in forest areas; movement restrictions imposed by the COVID-19 pandemic; and damage to Optical Fibre Cable (OFC) infrastructure due to development activities.
To address these challenges, the Cabinet approved an Amended BharatNet Program. Key features of the amended program include the appointment of BSNL as the Project Management Agency, the establishment of Central and State Network Operation Centers (NOCs) for monitoring, implementation of OFC connectivity from block to GP in a ring topology, and the utilization of alternative technologies like radio/satellite in challenging terrains. The government also notified the Telecommunications Right of Way Rules, 2024, to streamline the RoW clearance process. The construction phase under the Amended BharatNet Program is projected to take three years from the date of agreement signing, followed by seven years of operation and maintenance (OM).
As of July 2025, 2,14,325 GPs across the country, including those in Maharashtra, are service-ready under BharatNet. State/UT-wise details of GPs with broadband connectivity are available on the Digital Bharat Nidhi website (https:usof.gov.inenhome). As of the date of this response, the Ministry has not received any CAG audit reports highlighting underutilization of funds or infrastructure related to BharatNet.
Key Entities Referenced
BharatNet project: A mega project to provide broadband connectivity to Gram Panchayats across India.
Gram Panchayat: A village level council responsible for local governance.
Maharashtra: A state in India, specifically mentioned in the context of BharatNet project implementation.
CAG: Comptroller and Auditor General of India, an entity responsible for auditing government expenditures.
BSNL: Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited, appointed as the Project Management Agency for the Amended BharatNet Program.
Amended BharatNet Program: A revised version of the BharatNet project, approved by the Cabinet.
Telecommunications Right of Way Rules, 2024: Rules notified by the government to streamline the RoW clearance process for telecom infrastructure.
Digital Bharat Nidhi: Website providing state wise list of Gram Panchayats GPs provided with broadband connectivity under the BharatNet project
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
MINISTRY OF COMMUNICATIONS
DEPARTMENT OF TELECOMMUNICATIONS
LOK SABHA
UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 556
ANSWERED ON 23RD JULY, 2025
DELAYS IN BHARATNET PROJECT
556. SHRI SHRIRANG APPA CHANDU BARNE:
Will the Minister of COMMUNICATION be pleased to state:
(a) whether there is a repeated delays in the BharatNet project, with deadlines missed in 2014,
2015, 2019 and 2023;
(b) if so, the details of the revised timeline for achieving 100% Gram Panchayat connectivity;
(c) the details of the specific measures being taken to avoid further delays, particularly in
challenging terrains;
(d) the current status of the 2.5 lakh Gram Panchayats targeted under the BharatNet project,
specifically regarding service readiness and active utilization of the provided connectivity as of July
2025, State-wise, particularly Maharashtra;
(e) whether the CAG and other reports have highlighted underutilisation of funds and
infrastructure created under BharatNet; and
(f) if so, the steps taken/being taken by the Government to ensure optimal utilisation of existing
infrastructure and to address the lack of awareness and digital literacy among target beneficiaries?
ANSWER
MINISTER OF STATE FOR COMMUNICATIONS AND RURAL DEVELOPMENT
(DR. PEMMASANI CHANDRA SEKHAR)
(a) to (c) BharatNet is a mega project, widely dispersed across remotest corners of the country,
covering difficult terrains (Hilly/ Rocky) and also difficult to access Left-wing extremism (LWE)
affected areas. The project implementation faced challenges due to various reasons like delay in
obtaining Right of Way permissions from State agencies especially in forest areas, movement
restrictions due to Covid- pandemic, damage of Optical Fibre Cable (OFC) due to development
works such as water pipe line laying, road widening and other construction activities.
In the meanwhile Amended BharatNet Program is approved by Cabinet, under which
appointment of BSNL as Project management agency, setting up of Central and State Network
operation centre (NOC) for monitoring , OFC connectivity from block to GP in ring topology and
use of alternative technology (radio/Satellite) to ensure its smooth implementation. The government
has notified Telecommunications (Right of Way) Rules, 2024 that has streamlined RoW clearance
process. The timeline for completion of the construction phase under the Amended BharatNet
Program is three years from date of signing of agreement and then O&M for seven years will start.
1(d) Total number of Gram Panchayats (GP) made service-ready under BharatNet across the
country including Maharashtra is 2,14,325. State/UT-wise list of Gram Panchayats (GPs) provided
with broadband connectivity under the BharatNet project is available on Digital Bharat Nidhi website
(https://usof.gov.in/en/home).
(e) & (f) No CAG audit report on BharatNet has been received in this Ministry till date.
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