**Executive Summary**
This document is a response to Unstarred Question No. 1791 in Lok Sabha concerning the progress of the BharatNet project. The response, dated December 10, 2025, addresses the targets, progress, challenges, and corrective actions taken to advance the BharatNet initiative, particularly regarding its implementation under the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model. A revised implementation model was approved on 04.08.2023.
**Key Points / Main Content**
* **BharatNet Implementation:**
* BharatNet aims to provide broadband connectivity to all Gram Panchayats (GPs) in a phased manner.
* Under BharatNet Phase-I and Phase-II, 2,22,341 GPs were undertaken, with 2,14,904 being service-ready.
* Implementation is periodically reviewed by the Government, State Broadband Committees, and District Level Telecom Committees.
* **PPP Model Challenges:**
* Bids were invited for nine BharatNet packages in 2021-2022 under the PPP model.
* Only one non-compliant bid was received for one package.
* High risks in rural and remote areas deterred private sector partners from participating in PPP bids.
* **Revised Implementation Model (Amended BharatNet Program - ABP):**
* A revised implementation model (ABP) was approved by the Union Cabinet on August 4, 2023.
* ABP aims to provide optical fiber connectivity to approximately 2.64 lakh Gram Panchayats (GPs) and 3.8 lakh non-GP villages on demand basis.
* Implementation will follow the Design Build Operate and Maintain (DBOM) model.
* Professional agencies selected as Project Implementing Agencies (PIAs) will carry out the implementation through an open bidding process.
**Impact Analysis**
**Government of India (Ministry of Communications & Department of Telecommunications)**
* **Impact**
* Must oversee and review the implementation of BharatNet and the Amended BharatNet Program (ABP).
* Need to address the challenges in attracting private sector participation under the PPP model.
* Responsible for ensuring the DBOM model is effectively implemented by selected PIAs.
* **Action Required**
* Continuously monitor the progress of BharatNet and ABP.
* Ensure an open and transparent bidding process for selecting PIAs.
* Provide necessary support and guidance to PIAs for successful implementation.
**Gram Panchayats (GPs) & Non-GP Villages**
* **Impact**
* Will gain improved broadband connectivity through the BharatNet project and ABP.
* May experience improved access to various services due to enhanced connectivity.
* **Action Required**
* Prepare for the deployment of optical fiber connectivity.
* Engage with PIAs during the implementation process.
**Private Sector Partners**
* **Impact**
* Initially deterred from participating in PPP bids due to high risks.
* May find the DBOM model more attractive if the open bidding process is transparent and the risks are mitigated.
* **Action Required**
* Evaluate the opportunities under the ABP, particularly the DBOM model.
* Participate in the open bidding process to become PIAs.
**Project Implementing Agencies (PIAs)**
* **Impact**
* Selected PIAs are responsible for the implementation of ABP under the DBOM model.
* **Action Required**
* Participate in the open bidding process.
* Successfully implement the ABP to provide optical fiber connectivity to GPs and non-GP villages.
Key Entities Referenced
BharatNet: A project to provide broadband connectivity to Gram Panchayats (GPs) in India.
Amended BharatNet Program (ABP): A revised implementation model of BharatNet approved by the Union Cabinet to provide optical fiber connectivity to Gram Panchayats (GPs) and non-GP villages.
Public-Private-Partnership (PPP): A mode of implementation that BharatNet considered using, but faced challenges in attracting bids.
Ministry of Communications: The primary ministry responsible for the BharatNet project.
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
MINISTRY OF COMMUNICATIONS
DEPARTMENT OF TELECOMMUNICATIONS
LOK SABHA
UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 1791
ANSWERED ON 10TH DECEMBER, 2025
PROGRESS UNDER BHARATNET
1791. SHRI P V MIDHUN REDDY:
Will the Minister of COMMUNICATIONS be pleased to state:
(a) the targets and deadlines set under the BharatNet project and the progress made till date;
(b) the steps taken/being taken by the Government to fast-track progress under the BharatNet
project;
(c) whether it is true that the Government failed to get any bids for the implementation of
BharatNet in Public-Private-Partnership (PPP) mode and if so, the details and the reasons therefor;
(d) whether the Government has taken any corrective steps to attract more bids under PPP mode;
and
(e) if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor?
ANSWER
MINISTER OF STATE FOR COMMUNICATIONS AND RURAL DEVELOPMENT
(DR. PEMMASANI CHANDRA SEKHAR)
(a) & (b) BharatNet is being implemented in a phased manner to provide broadband
connectivity to all Gram Panchayats (GPs). The total number of GPs undertaken under BharatNet
Phase-I and Phase-II are 2,22,341 GPs, out of which 2,14,904 are Service Ready. Implementation of
BharatNet is periodically reviewed by the Government and also in State Broadband Committee(s)
and District Level Telecom Committee(s).
(c) Bids under PPP model were invited for BharatNet for nine packages in 2021-2022. Only one
non-compliant bid for one package was received. The risks in implementing BharatNet in rural and
remote areas are very high and therefore, the private sector partners did not come forward in the PPP
bids.
(d) & (e) A revised implementation model has been worked out and Amended BharatNet
Program (ABP) has been approved by the Union Cabinet on 04.08.2023 to provide optical fiber
connectivity to ~2.64 lakh Gram Panchayats (GPs) and ~3.8 lakh non-GP villages on demand basis
across the country. Implementation of ABP shall be undertaken on Design Build Operate and
Maintain (DBOM) model by professional agencies selected as Project Implementing Agencies
(PIAs) through open bidding process.
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