Over 2.14 Lakh GPs Connected Under BharatNet: Scindia
Minister says India crosses one billion internet users, targets universal broadband by 2030
- 2.14 lakh gram panchayats connected under BharatNet
- India crosses one billion internet and broadband subscribers
- NBM 2.0 sets roadmap for universal broadband by 2030
- Centre urges states to speed up Right of Way approvals
GG News Bureau
New Delhi, 12th Feb: Union Minister for Communications Jyotiraditya Scindia on Thursday said BharatNet is playing a transformative role in bridging the digital divide, with over 2.14 lakh gram panchayats now connected under the programme.
Replying to a question in the Rajya Sabha, the minister said BharatNet is one of the world’s largest government-led connectivity initiatives, aimed at providing broadband access to every citizen, particularly in rural areas.
He noted that India has crossed one billion internet subscribers, up from 250 million in 2014, with penetration rising from 20 per cent to nearly 71.8 per cent. Mobile subscribers have increased from 930 million in 2014 to 1.2 billion, while broadband subscribers have grown from 61 million to over one billion. The average fixed broadband speed now stands at 61.55 Mbps, he added.
Under BharatNet Phases I and II, nearly 2.14 lakh out of 2.56 lakh gram panchayats have been connected through optical fibre at an approximate cost of ₹42,000 crore.
In Tamil Nadu, the project is being implemented through the state’s special purpose vehicle, Tanfinet. Out of 12,525 gram panchayats, 10,869 have already been connected, with the remaining areas to be covered under the amended BharatNet programme.
Scindia also informed the House that the National Broadband Mission 2.0, launched in April 2025, has set seven major targets for 2030. These include optical fibre connectivity with 95 per cent uptime in 2.7 lakh villages, broadband access to 90 per cent of anchor institutions, and average fixed broadband speeds of 100 Mbps.
He said the average Right of Way application disposal time has been reduced from 455 days to 30.4 days, achieving the 2030 target ahead of schedule. Out of 36 states and Union Territories, 33 have implemented the Telecommunications Right of Way Rules, 2024, while compliance is pending in Tamil Nadu and West Bengal.
The minister stressed that cooperation from states in implementing Right of Way regulations would accelerate broadband expansion and help achieve the 2030 connectivity targets.
He said continued Centre–State coordination would be crucial to ensuring inclusive digital growth and universal broadband access across rural and remote parts of the country.
