Agreement Signed for Amended BharatNet Program in Chhattisgarh
Digital Bharat Nidhi (DBN), under the Department of Telecommunications, signed an agreement on August 18, 2026, for the implementation of the Amended BharatNet Program in Chhattisgarh under the State-led model. The agreement was signed between Digital Bharat Nidhi (DBN), DoT; Government of Chhattisgarh; Chhattisgarh State BharatNet Infrastructure Limited (CSBIL); Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL); and Chhattisgarh Infotech Promotion Society (CHiPS).
Financial Support and Program Scope
The Government of India has approved financial support of ₹3,942 crore for the implementation of the Programme in Chhattisgarh. The Amended BharatNet Program will cover 11,682 Gram Panchayats, including upgradation of 4,048 Phase I Gram Panchayats from linear to ring topology to enhance network resilience, coverage of 5,964 Phase II Gram Panchayats, and inclusion of 1,670 newly created Gram Panchayats. Additionally, 8,328 villages will be provided connectivity on a demand basis to strengthen last-mile connectivity.
Expected Outcomes and Implementation
The initiative is expected to facilitate more than three lakh (300,000) rural home fibre connections with financial support from the Government of India. The program will 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. The project will be implemented through Chhattisgarh State BharatNet Infrastructure Limited (CSBIL).
Background and Significance
The Union Cabinet had approved the Amended BharatNet Program on August 4, 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. Digital Bharat Nidhi (erstwhile USOF) was established under the Indian Telegraph (Amendment) Act, 2003, and under The Telecommunications Act, 2023, it has become the Digital Bharat Nidhi (DBN) with a mandate to support universal service through promoting access and delivery of telecommunication service in underserved rural, remote and urban areas.