Lok Sabha Question No. 556 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-07-23
Subject: Delays in BharatNet Project
Ministry: COMMUNICATION
Asked by: Shri Shrirang Appa Chandu Barne

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF COMMUNICATIONS DEPARTMENT OF TELECOMMUNICATIONS

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 556 ANSWERED ON 23 RD  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.

- (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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