BharatNet fails to meet the targeted implementation timeline

BharatNet project is implemented in a phased manner to provide broadband connectivity to all the Gram Panchayats (GPs) of the country. As on 25.07.2022, total 1,78,044 GPs have been made Service Ready under the project. The scope of BharatNet project has recently been extended up to all inhabited villages beyond GPs in the country, with the completion timeline as 2025.The implementation of the project has been affected mainly on account of the following:

• BharatNet is a challenging project, with GPs widely dispersed across remote corners of the country, covering difficult terrains (including Hilly/ Rocky and Left Wing Extremism (LWE) affected areas);
• Under BharatNet Phase-II, about 65,000 GPs in 8 States are being implemented by the State Government under State-led model. The implementation of the same is not meeting the targeted time-lines as State Governments are responsible for implementation.
• The project has also been adversely affected by the lockdown and movement restrictions due to COVID-19 as well as Right of Way (RoW) issues.

CT Bureau