BharatNet Project 2026 During the 2022 Union Budget presentation, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman declared that the BharatNet high-speed internet infrastructure is scheduled for completion by 2025. Additionally, the federal government has officially introduced the PM Ghar Tak Fibre initiative as part of the broader BharatNet framework. Under the leadership of PM Modi, the administration will utilize a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model to manage the installation of optical fibre cables nationwide. This infrastructure aims to link rural communities and village councils across the country to high-speed networks.
This guide provides comprehensive information regarding the BharatNet program, focusing on its core elements, such as the deployment of fibre-optic cables via the PM Ghar Tak Fibre project and the expansion of reliable broadband access to rural regions.
Completion of BharatNet Broadband by 2025
The Finance Minister confirmed in the 2022 Union Budget that the BharatNet broadband network is targeted for finalization by 2025. She noted that contracts for the fibre installation would be managed through a PPP framework. Regarding the 5G rollout, the government plans to auction spectrum within the same year. This major initiative aims to provide broadband coverage to 361,000 villages across 16 states, following approval from the Union Cabinet in July 2021. Private entities selected through the bidding process will be responsible for the installation, management, and maintenance of the network.
BharatNet Project Implementation Packages
The government has organized the BharatNet project into nine distinct packages, each covering specific telecom circles. To ensure fair competition, no single investor is permitted to secure more than four of these packages.
Current Status of BharatNet Development
According to the Economic Survey published on January 31, 2022, approximately 5.46 lakh kilometers of optical fibre have been installed. As of September 27, 2021, 1.73 lakh gram panchayats have been connected, with 1.59 lakh of these locations already fully operational and service-ready.
The report also highlighted that telecom infrastructure is receiving a significant boost through the aspirational districts program, while investments in submarine optical fibre cables will further accelerate the availability of high-speed internet.