DRDO & IIT Delhi Achieve 1km Quantum Secure Communication Test

17 Jun 2025 CW Team

The experiment achieved a secure key rate of approximately 240 bits per second, with a quantum bit error rate of under 7%. This entanglement-assisted communication method represents a breakthrough for quantum cybersecurity applications such as long-distance Quantum Key Distribution (QKD), future quantum networks, and the envisioned quantum internet. The demonstration aligns with India's national goals of developing cutting-edge quantum technologies.

The project, titled ‘Design and Development of Photonic Technologies for Free Space QKD’, is supported by the Directorate of Futuristic Technology Management (DFTM), DRDO. The demonstration was led by Prof Bhaskar Kanseri’s research team and witnessed by senior dignitaries, including the DRDO DG (MED, COS & CS), Director SAG, Director DFTM, Dean (R&D) IIT Delhi, Director (DIA-CoE), and scientists from DRDO labs.

Quantum entanglement-based QKD offers key advantages over traditional prepare-and-measure techniques, significantly enhancing both security and resilience. Even when devices are compromised or imperfect, the security of the key remains intact due to the intrinsic properties of entanglement. Any unauthorised interception attempts disturb the quantum state, making detection possible.

Quantum communication technology offers unbreakable encryption, making it a strategic asset for securing communications in critical areas such as defence, banking, telecommunications, and national security. Free-space QKD also removes the dependence on physical optical fibre networks, which can be cost-prohibitive or difficult to install in urban or rugged terrains.

Previously, in 2022, DRDO and Prof Bhaskar’s team demonstrated India’s first intercity quantum communication link between Vindhyachal and Prayagraj using underground dark fibre. In 2024, they further advanced this field by distributing quantum keys over a 100 km spool of telecom-grade fibre in another DRDO-backed initiative.

These developments are part of DRDO’s DIA-CoE initiative, which has established 15 Centres of Excellence at leading academic institutions such as IITs, IISc, and top universities to drive innovation in advanced defence technologies.

India has marked a significant milestone in quantum technology with a successful demonstration of quantum entanglement-based secure communication, conducted by the DRDO-Industry-Academia Centre of Excellence (DIA-CoE) at IIT Delhi. The trial, achieved over a free-space optical link on the IIT Delhi campus, demonstrated secure quantum communication over a distance of more than one kilometre. The experiment achieved a secure key rate of approximately 240 bits per second, with a quantum bit error rate of under 7%. This entanglement-assisted communication method represents a breakthrough for quantum cybersecurity applications such as long-distance Quantum Key Distribution (QKD), future quantum networks, and the envisioned quantum internet. The demonstration aligns with India's national goals of developing cutting-edge quantum technologies. The project, titled ‘Design and Development of Photonic Technologies for Free Space QKD’, is supported by the Directorate of Futuristic Technology Management (DFTM), DRDO. The demonstration was led by Prof Bhaskar Kanseri’s research team and witnessed by senior dignitaries, including the DRDO DG (MED, COS & CS), Director SAG, Director DFTM, Dean (R&D) IIT Delhi, Director (DIA-CoE), and scientists from DRDO labs. Quantum entanglement-based QKD offers key advantages over traditional prepare-and-measure techniques, significantly enhancing both security and resilience. Even when devices are compromised or imperfect, the security of the key remains intact due to the intrinsic properties of entanglement. Any unauthorised interception attempts disturb the quantum state, making detection possible. Quantum communication technology offers unbreakable encryption, making it a strategic asset for securing communications in critical areas such as defence, banking, telecommunications, and national security. Free-space QKD also removes the dependence on physical optical fibre networks, which can be cost-prohibitive or difficult to install in urban or rugged terrains. Previously, in 2022, DRDO and Prof Bhaskar’s team demonstrated India’s first intercity quantum communication link between Vindhyachal and Prayagraj using underground dark fibre. In 2024, they further advanced this field by distributing quantum keys over a 100 km spool of telecom-grade fibre in another DRDO-backed initiative. These developments are part of DRDO’s DIA-CoE initiative, which has established 15 Centres of Excellence at leading academic institutions such as IITs, IISc, and top universities to drive innovation in advanced defence technologies.

Real Estate

07 Aug 2026

BXB Estates Sets AED 110 Million Jumeirah Golf Estates Record

BXB Estates has completed an AED 110 million residential transaction at Jumeirah Golf Estates, setting a new sales record for the prestigious Dubai residential community.Negotiated by Alfie Tabrez, Managing Partner of BXB Estates, the deal surpassed the previous record of AED 58 million for a completed ready villa in the development.The six-bedroom residence offers 21,714 sq ft of built-up space on a 15,873-sq-ft plot. It features nine bathrooms, four living lounges, a home office, bar lounge, private cinema and rooftop terrace.The property also includes a dedicated wellness area comprising a ..

Infrastructure Urban

07 Aug 2026

SECR Floats Rs 6,019 Mn EPC Tender For Paradol Nagpur Link

South East Central Railway (SECR) has invited bids for an Engineering, Procurement and Construction (EPC) contract to build a new broad gauge single line between Paradol Takeoff Point and Nagpur Road Station in Chhattisgarh. The contract carries an estimated cost of Rs 6,019.0 mn and requires an earnest money deposit of Rs 120.4 mn. The work is framed as an EPC assignment intended to strengthen regional rail infrastructure. The tender, issued under number CAO-C-BSP-26-27-15, specifies a completion period of 730 days and a bid validity of 180 days. Two pre-bid meetings are scheduled for 24 Augu..

Infrastructure Transport

07 Aug 2026

Indian Railways Reports Nine Per Cent Rise In July Freight Loading

Indian Railways handled 141.3 million tonnes (141.3 mn t) of freight in July, marking a rise of nine per cent year on year. Freight loading maintained a positive trajectory across the network compared with the same month last year. Passenger traffic also increased in July, contributing to higher overall network utilisation. The July outcome continued a pattern of steady monthly gains, reflecting gradual improvement in industrial and logistics activity. The growth in freight volumes reflected stronger demand across multiple sectors and improvements in logistics and train turnarounds. Enhanced r..