**Policy Summary: BharatNet Project Implementation in Bahraich, Uttar Pradesh**
This document summarizes the Indian government's response to a parliamentary question regarding the BharatNet project's progress in Uttar Pradesh, specifically focusing on the Bahraich Lok Sabha Constituency.
As of July 23, 2025, 46,746 Gram Panchayats (GPs) in Uttar Pradesh, including 72 GPs in the Bahraich Constituency, are service-ready under the BharatNet project. The government has approved the Amended BharatNet Program (ABP), which aims to cover all GPs in the country, including those in Bahraich, using a ring network to upgrade the existing BharatNet Phase I and Phase II infrastructure.
The ABP is currently being rolled out, with work commenced in Uttar Pradesh. The construction phase is projected to last three years from the date of agreement signing, followed by a seven-year operations and maintenance (OM) period.
Recognizing potential challenges in deploying optical fiber in all areas, the government intends to explore alternative technologies, including satellite-based internet, in remote locations where fiber connectivity is not feasible. The BharatNet project and associated mobile projects are funded through the Digital Bharat Nidhi (DBN) to improve mobile and internet connectivity in rural and backward areas, including the Bahraich Constituency.
Key Entities Referenced
BharatNet Project: A Government of India initiative to provide broadband connectivity to villages.
Bahraich Lok Sabha Constituency: A parliamentary constituency in Uttar Pradesh, India, specifically mentioned as a target area for improved internet connectivity.
Uttar Pradesh: A state in India where the BharatNet project is being implemented, including the Bahraich constituency.
DR. ANAND KUMAR: Member of Parliament who raised the question about the BharatNet project in Bahraich.
MINISTER OF STATE FOR COMMUNICATIONS AND RURAL DEVELOPMENT DR. PEMMASANI CHANDRA SEKHAR: The Minister responsible for answering the question related to the BharatNet project.
Digital Bharat Nidhi DBN: A funding source for mobile and internet projects in rural and backward areas.
Amended BharatNet Program ABP: An updated version of the BharatNet program aimed at covering all Gram Panchayats in the country.
Gram Panchayats GPs: Local self-government organizations at the village or small town level in India. 46,746 GPs in Uttar Pradesh have been made service-ready under the BharatNet Project.
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
MINISTRY OF COMMUNICATIONS
DEPARTMENT OF TELECOMMUNICATIONS
LOK SABHA
UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 618
ANSWERED ON 23RD JULY, 2025
OPTICAL FIBRE UNDER BHARATNET PROJECT IN BAHRAICH
†618. DR. ANAND KUMAR:
Will the Minister of COMMUNICATION be pleased to state:
(a) the number of villages of Uttar Pradesh especially Bahraich Lok Sabha Constituency
connected with optical fibre under BharatNet project and the number of villages yet to be provided
with internet facility under this scheme;
(b) whether the Government proposes to include all the villages of Bahraich Lok Sabha
Constituency under BharatNet project Phase-2, keeping in view that it is basically a rural and
backward area, where most of the population is still deprived of high-speed internet facilities, so that
new avenues for education, employment and social development may be created in the area, if so,
the details thereof; and
(c) whether the Government proposes or is likely to propose to provide internet facility through
WiFi using satellite in such remote areas where it is difficult to provide internet facility through
optical fibre and if so, the details thereof?
ANSWER
MINISTER OF STATE FOR COMMUNICATIONS AND RURAL DEVELOPMENT
(DR. PEMMASANI CHANDRA SEKHAR)
(a) & (b) To improve mobile and internet connectivity in rural and backward areas of the
country including Baraich Constituency, Government has taken up ‘BharatNet’ and various mobile
projects with funding from Digital Bharat Nidhi (DBN). As of date, 46,746 Gram Panchayats (GPs)
in Uttar Pradesh have been made service-ready under the BharatNet Project, including 72 GPs in the
Baraich Constituency. Further, the Government has approved the Amended BharatNet Program
(ABP) covering all GPs in the country, including Baraich Constituency, on ring network for
upgrading of existing network of BharatNet Phase-I and Phase-II. ABP is being rolled out and that
work in Uttar Pradesh has started. The time of construction is 3 years from date of signing of
agreement and then O&M for 7 years will start.
(c) Since ABP is now being implemented in the state, use of alternate technology is proposed
wherever connectivity through optical fibre is not feasible.
*****
1