Centre Clears ₹3,384 Cr for BharatNet in Odisha
The Centre has sanctioned Rs 3,384 crore under Phase-III of the BharatNet project in Odisha, marking a major step in the Digital India Mission.
The initiative will upgrade 6,799 gram panchayats with IP MPLS technology in a ring topology and extend Fiber‑to‑the‑Home (FTTH) connectivity to over 50,000 villages.
The project, expected to be completed within three years under the guidance of Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, aims to transform rural Odisha by enhancing access to digital education, healthcare, e‑governance, and economic opportunities.
Implementation will follow a cascading model, with each block serving as a Block Optical Fibre Connectivity Centre, ensuring reliable data exchange across Panchayat Centres and households.
Two key MoUs were signed:
- A tripartite agreement among Digital Bharat Nidhi (DBN), Odisha Electronics & IT Department, DoT, and BSNL for BharatNet implementation.
- An agreement between Odisha’s Electronics & IT Department and C‑DAC to collaborate on emerging technologies, AI, and cybersecurity.
Officials emphasised that these initiatives will accelerate Odisha’s digital transformation and strengthen secure, transparent delivery of government services.
