BSNL announces Rs 650 bn tender for Phase-III BharatNet

22 Feb 2024 CW Team

It was reported that BSNL, the sole project management agency for the BharatNet project, is aiming to upgrade existing 164,000 gram panchayats and connect approximately 47,000 new gram panchayats under a new model. The tender process is expected to create an additional revenue stream for various companies, including Nokia, Ericsson, HFCL, STL, TCS, Tejas Networks, and several local telecom equipment players.

The tender evaluation process will involve extensive consultations with over 280 industry stakeholders to ensure its effectiveness and inclusivity. Bids are invited across 16 states and Union Territories, with packages divided into two categories.

The eligibility criteria for bidders include financial requirements and technical capabilities, ensuring that successful candidates possess the necessary experience and resources to execute the project successfully. Those submitting bids for only one package must have a net worth between Rs 500 million to Rs 3.75 billion, and the minimum average turnover should be at least Rs 3.25 billion over the last three financial years.

Smaller domestic players have reduced eligibility requirements, up to 70 per cent, for supplying equipment.

Currently, companies are evaluating the tender document and are expected to submit bids either individually or in consortium. The selected companies will be responsible for operating and maintaining the network in gram panchayats for a period of 10 years.

The state-owned telecommunications company, BSNL, has initiated a tender process for the implementation of the phase-III BharatNet project. The tender process amounts to approximately Rs 650 billion. The project is part of the broader Rs 1.4 trillion revamped BharatNet project, which aims to enhance connectivity in rural areas by upgrading existing infrastructure and connecting additional gram panchayats. The scope of the tender includes designing, supplying, constructing, and installing optical fibre cables, switches, routers, and other essential telecom equipment. It was reported that BSNL, the sole project management agency for the BharatNet project, is aiming to upgrade existing 164,000 gram panchayats and connect approximately 47,000 new gram panchayats under a new model. The tender process is expected to create an additional revenue stream for various companies, including Nokia, Ericsson, HFCL, STL, TCS, Tejas Networks, and several local telecom equipment players. The tender evaluation process will involve extensive consultations with over 280 industry stakeholders to ensure its effectiveness and inclusivity. Bids are invited across 16 states and Union Territories, with packages divided into two categories. The eligibility criteria for bidders include financial requirements and technical capabilities, ensuring that successful candidates possess the necessary experience and resources to execute the project successfully. Those submitting bids for only one package must have a net worth between Rs 500 million to Rs 3.75 billion, and the minimum average turnover should be at least Rs 3.25 billion over the last three financial years. Smaller domestic players have reduced eligibility requirements, up to 70 per cent, for supplying equipment. Currently, companies are evaluating the tender document and are expected to submit bids either individually or in consortium. The selected companies will be responsible for operating and maintaining the network in gram panchayats for a period of 10 years.

Infrastructure Energy

17 Dec 2025

Vedanta Aluminium Uses 1.57 bn Units of Green Energy in FY25

Vedanta Aluminium, India’s largest aluminium producer, recently reported consumption of 1.57 billion units of renewable energy in FY25, marking a significant milestone in its 2030 decarbonisation roadmap. The company also achieved an 8.96 per cent reduction in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions intensity compared to FY21, reinforcing its leadership in India’s low-carbon manufacturing transition. During FY25, Vedanta Aluminium expanded its renewable energy portfolio through long-term power purchase agreements, strengthening its strategy to source nearly 1,500 MW of renewable power over the lon..

Real Estate

17 Dec 2025

Oberoi Group to Develop Luxury Resort at Makaibari Tea Estate

EIH Limited, the flagship company of The Oberoi Group, has announced the signing of a management agreement to develop an Oberoi luxury resort at the iconic Makaibari Tea Estate in Darjeeling. The project marks a key milestone in the Group’s long-term strategy of creating distinctive hospitality experiences in rare and environmentally significant locations. Established in 1859, Makaibari is one of the world’s oldest tea estates and is globally recognised for its Himalayan landscape, primary forests and exceptional biodiversity. Spread across 1,236 acres, the estate houses one of the world�..

Real Estate

17 Dec 2025

GHV Infra Secures Rs 1.09 Bn EPC Order in Jamshedpur

GHV Infra Projects Ltd, a fast-growing EPC company in India’s infrastructure and construction sector, has recently secured a Rs 1.09 billion work order in Jamshedpur, Jharkhand. Awarded by a reputed group entity, the contract covers end-to-end civil construction, mechanical, electrical and plumbing (MEP) systems, along with high-quality finishing works for a large building development. The project will be executed over a 30-month period, with defined benchmarks for quality, safety and timely delivery. The order strengthens GHV Infra’s footprint in Jamshedpur, a key industrial hub known fo..