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GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
MINISTRY OF COMMUNICATIONS
DEPARTMENT OF TELECOMMUNICATIONS
RAJYA SABHA
UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 3058
TO BE ANSWERED ON 19TH MARCH, 2026
STATUS OF TELECOM PROJECTS IN RAIGAD
3058 # SHRI DHAIRYASHIL MOHAN PATIL:
Will the Minister of Communications be pleased to state:
(a) the details of telecommunication infrastructure projects approved under the Universal Service
Obligation Fund (USOF) in Raigad district of Maharashtra during the last five years;
(b) the details of physical and financial progress against the approved targets;
(c) whether the tribal, remote and inaccessible habitations of the district have been adequately
covered under these projects; and
(d) whether there are any projects pending or incomplete and if so, the reasons therefor and the
proposed timeline for their completion?
ANSWER
MINISTER OF STATE FOR COMMUNICATIONS AND RURAL DEVELOPMENT
(DR. PEMMASANI CHANDRA SEKHAR)
(a) BharatNet project is being implemented in a phased manner to create network to connect all
the Gram Panchayats (GPs) with broadband in the country including Raigad district of Maharashtra.
Further, 4G Saturation mobile project has been approved for provision of 4G based mobile services
across the country including Raigad district of Maharashtra during the last five years.
(b) to (d) BharatNet project is being implemented in the country including the tribal, remote
and inaccessible areas including Raigad district of Maharashtra. Further, mobile coverage for
inhabited uncovered villages is provided by Government and the Telecom Service Providers (TSPs)
in a phased manner including Raigad district of Maharashtra.
Out of 815 Gram Panchayats (GPs) in Raigad district of Maharashtra, 793 GPs were planned
under Phase-I/II, and all have been made service-ready. The Amended BharatNet Program (ABP) is
proposed to be implemented across the country, including Raigad district of Maharashtra. The
timeline for completion of the construction phase under ABP is three years from the date of signing
of the Agreement. Further, as on 28.02.2026, 254 villages have been planned for provision of 4G
mobile services, out of which 161 villages have been covered through 127 towers made on air in
Raigad district of Maharashtra.
Additionally, ₹3,401 crore in BharatNet project and ₹1,233 crore in 4G Saturation project,
has been disbursed during the last five financial years in Maharashtra, including Raigad district.
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