The signing ceremony marked an important milestone towards expeditious implementation of the Amended BharatNet Program in Maharashtra. The Government of India has approved financial support of INR 10,520 crore for its implementation.
In a significant step towards strengthening digital infrastructure and accelerating broadband connectivity across rural Maharashtra, Digital Bharat Nidhi (DBN) under Department of Telecommunications (DoT) signed an Agreement for the implementation of the Amended BharatNet Program (ABP) in the State under the State-led model on October 1, 2026. The Agreement was signed between DBN, DoT; Government of Maharashtra; MahaNet Digital Infrastructure Limited (MDIL); Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) and Maharashtra Information Technology Corporation Limited (MahaIT).
The signing ceremony took place in the august presence of key officials from DoT, DBN, BSNL, and the Government of Maharashtra. 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 Maharashtra towards strengthening rural digital infrastructure, enhancing last-mile connectivity and promoting inclusive digital growth.
The signing ceremony was held at Sanchar Bhawan, New Delhi. The Union Cabinet had approved the Amended BharatNet Program on 4 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 Maharashtra, the project will be implemented through MDIL. The Program will have a total scope of 28,237 Gram Panchayats, which includes upgradation of 15,171 Phase I Gram Panchayats from linear to ring topology to enhance network resilience, coverage of 12,740 Phase II Gram Panchayats, and inclusion of 326 newly created Gram Panchayats. In addition, 15,799 villages will be provided connectivity on a demand basis to strengthen last-mile connectivity.
The Government of India has approved financial support of INR 10,520 crore for the implementation of the Program in Maharashtra.
Source:
Press Information Bureau
