ITI Limited-led Consortium Wins Mega BharatNet Project
Consortium Bids ₹3,022 Crore for Rural Broadband Infrastructure Project
ITI Limited, a public sector undertaking under the Ministry of Telecommunications, has emerged as the lowest bidder for the ₹3,022 crore BharatNet project. The project aims to provide broadband connectivity to rural areas across India.
Key Highlights of the Consortium's Bid
- ITI Limited-led consortium submits the lowest bid of ₹3,022 crore.
- Consortium consists of ITI Limited, BSNL, RailTel, and PowerGrid.
- Project scope includes laying optical fiber cables, installing broadband equipment, and providing connectivity to over 600,000 villages.
Benefits of the BharatNet Project
The BharatNet project is expected to revolutionize connectivity in rural India by:
- Providing high-speed internet access to underserved areas.
- Improving access to education, healthcare, and government services.
- Boosting economic development and creating new job opportunities.
Challenges and Timeline
The project is expected to face challenges in terms of terrain, infrastructure, and logistics. However, the consortium has expressed confidence in its ability to overcome these obstacles.
The project is expected to be completed in two phases, with the first phase targeting 100,000 villages by 2023 and the second phase covering the remaining villages by 2025.
Reactions from Industry Leaders
Industry leaders have welcomed the emergence of ITI Limited as the lowest bidder for the BharatNet project.
"This is a significant step towards bridging the digital divide in India. The project will bring much-needed connectivity to rural areas and empower communities," said Ravi Shankar Prasad, Union Minister for Communications, Electronics & Information Technology.
"ITI Limited has a proven track record in telecom infrastructure development. We are confident that the consortium will deliver this critical project successfully," said Rakesh Mohan Agrawal, Chairman and Managing Director, ITI Limited.
Conclusion
The award of the BharatNet project to ITI Limited-led consortium is a major milestone in India's digital transformation journey. The project is expected to have a transformative impact on rural India, empowering communities and fostering economic development.
