In a significant step towards strengthening digital infrastructure and accelerating broadband connectivity across rural Telangana, Digital Bharat Nidhi (DBN) under Department of Telecommunications (DoT) signed an Agreement for implementation of the Amended BharatNet Program (ABP) in the State under the State-led model today at Sanchar Bhawan, New Delhi.
Core Highlights & Operational Progress
The Agreement was signed between Digital Bharat Nidhi (DBN), DoT; Government of Telangana; Telangana Rural Internet Infrastructure Corporation Limited (TRIICL); Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) and Telangana Fiber Grid Corporation Limited (T-Fiber) for implementation of the Amended BharatNet Program in the State of Telangana.
Detailing the operational roadmap, the Agreement signing ceremony was held in the august presence of Shri Shyamal Misra, Administrator, Digital Bharat Nidhi (DBN). The ceremony was also attended by Shri Anudeep Durishetty, Jt. Secretary, IT E&C Department, Government of Telangana; Shri Papa Sudhakara Rao, Director (Enterprise Business – EB), Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL); Shri Dinesh Kumar Garg, DDG (ABP Implementation-I), Department of Telecommunications; Shri Venu Prasad Panneeru, Telangana Fiber Grid Corporation Limited (T-Fiber) & CEO, Telangana Rural Internet Infrastructure Corporation Limited (TRIICL) and along with senior officers of DoT, DBN and BSNL.
The signing of the Agreement marks an important milestone towards expeditious implementation of the Program and reflects the shared commitment of the Central Government and the Government of Telangana towards strengthening rural digital infrastructure, enhancing last-mile connectivity and promoting inclusive digital growth.
Key Benchmarks & Statistical Highlights
Comprehensive program documentation and official disclosures outline key operational figures and quantitative benchmarks:
- Key Indicator: Established target milestone of ₹3,189 crore under the active deployment framework.
Stakeholder Perspectives & Executive Commentary
In official remarks concerning the development, Secretary highlighted the imperative of rigorous milestone tracking, cross-agency alignment, and steadfast adherence to established operational timelines.
Implementation Context & Sector Implications
The Union Cabinet had approved the Amended BharatNet Program on 4th August 2023 with the objective of upgrading, consolidating and expanding the existing BharatNet network to ensure robust and future-ready broadband connectivity to all Gram Panchayats and villages on demand basis.
Under the Amended BharatNet Program in Telangana, the project will be implemented through Telangana Rural Internet Infrastructure Corporation Limited (TRIICL). The Program will have a total scope of 12,769 Gram Panchayats, which includes upgradation of 1,946 Phase I Gram Panchayats from linear to ring topology to enhance network resilience, coverage of 10,787 Phase II Gram Panchayats, and inclusion of 36 newly created Gram Panchayats.
The Government of India has approved financial support of ₹3,189 crores for implementation of the Program in Telangana. The initiative is anticipated to facilitate around three lakh rural home fibre connections with subsidy support from the Government of India and significantly enhance delivery of digital services including e-Governance, online education, telemedicine, digital payments and citizen-centric services across rural and remote areas of the State.
Future Horizons & Subsequent Milestones
Administrative bodies and departmental task forces will maintain active oversight across designated implementation cycles, ensuring scheduled deliverables translate into tangible public outcomes.
