Govt Expands Broadband Reach in Rural India via NBM
ECONOMY & POLICY

Govt Expands Broadband Reach in Rural India via NBM

The Government of India is taking significant steps to enhance broadband connectivity in rural areas through the National Broadband Mission (NBM), including initiatives in Tamil Nadu.

Key Initiatives Gati Shakti Sanchar Portal, launched on 14th May 2022, streamlines Right of Way (RoW) approvals for laying optical fibre cables (OFC) and installing telecom towers. Telecommunications Act 2023 and Right of Way Rules 2024 (effective 1st January 2025) further simplify RoW permissions to accelerate network expansion. BharatNet Project aims to provide broadband access to all Gram Panchayats and villages on demand. High-speed internet schemes target remote regions, including the North-East, Islands, LWE-affected areas, Aspirational Districts, and border villages. Submarine optical fibre cables connect Chennai–Andaman & Nicobar and Kochi–Lakshadweep, improving connectivity in coastal regions.

Tamil Nadu Leads in Broadband Expansion Under the state-led model, the government has invested Rs 15.44 billion, of which Rs 10.93 billion has been utilised as of February 2025. 10,298 out of 12,524 Gram Panchayats are now service-ready, with 53,511 km of Optical Fibre Cable laid.

NBM 2.0 to Launch in April 2025 Building on the success of NBM 1.0, the second phase, starting 1st April 2025, will accelerate India's digital transformation and boost global competitiveness. This information was shared by Dr Pemmasani Chandra Sekhar, Minister of State for Communications and Rural Development, in a Rajya Sabha reply on 20th March 2025.

Your next big infra connection is waiting at RAHSTA 2025 – Asia’s Biggest Roads & Highways Expo, Jio World Convention Centre, Mumbai. Don’t miss out!

The Government of India is taking significant steps to enhance broadband connectivity in rural areas through the National Broadband Mission (NBM), including initiatives in Tamil Nadu. Key Initiatives Gati Shakti Sanchar Portal, launched on 14th May 2022, streamlines Right of Way (RoW) approvals for laying optical fibre cables (OFC) and installing telecom towers. Telecommunications Act 2023 and Right of Way Rules 2024 (effective 1st January 2025) further simplify RoW permissions to accelerate network expansion. BharatNet Project aims to provide broadband access to all Gram Panchayats and villages on demand. High-speed internet schemes target remote regions, including the North-East, Islands, LWE-affected areas, Aspirational Districts, and border villages. Submarine optical fibre cables connect Chennai–Andaman & Nicobar and Kochi–Lakshadweep, improving connectivity in coastal regions. Tamil Nadu Leads in Broadband Expansion Under the state-led model, the government has invested Rs 15.44 billion, of which Rs 10.93 billion has been utilised as of February 2025. 10,298 out of 12,524 Gram Panchayats are now service-ready, with 53,511 km of Optical Fibre Cable laid. NBM 2.0 to Launch in April 2025 Building on the success of NBM 1.0, the second phase, starting 1st April 2025, will accelerate India's digital transformation and boost global competitiveness. This information was shared by Dr Pemmasani Chandra Sekhar, Minister of State for Communications and Rural Development, in a Rajya Sabha reply on 20th March 2025.

Next Story
Resources

IGBC Launches 32nd Chapter in Ranchi to Drive Green Building Growth

The CII Indian Green Building Council (IGBC) has launched its 32nd Chapter in Ranchi to accelerate Jharkhand’s transition towards sustainable and resilient urban infrastructure. The launch event, held on September 6 at Radisson Blu Hotel, brought together government officials, industry leaders, and sustainability experts. Sunil Kumar, IAS, Principal Secretary, Urban Development & Housing Department, Government of Jharkhand, said, “The launch of the IGBC Ranchi Chapter marks a significant step in Jharkhand’s urban development journey. The state is committed to creating a policy e..

Next Story
Real Estate

Mindspace REIT Marks Five Years With 14.8 Per Cent Annualised Returns

Mindspace Business Parks REIT, owner and developer of a Grade-A office portfolio, has completed five years since its listing on the Indian bourses in August 2020. Despite debuting during the global pandemic, the REIT has delivered 14.8 per cent annualised total returns, expanded its portfolio, and reinforced occupier trust. Key achievements over five years include: Portfolio expansion of 30 per cent to 31.0 msf through acquisitions and new developments. Gross leasing of 25.2 msf, with occupancy sustained at 93.7 per cent. Cumulative distribution of Rs 55.9 billion to unitho..

Next Story
Real Estate

Great Value Realty Secures RERA Nod for Ultra-Luxury Ekanam Project

Great Value Realty, one of North India’s most trusted developers, has received RERA approval for its flagship ultra-luxury residential project, Ekanam (RERA No. UPRERAPRJ15109/2019). The announcement was made during the Great Partners Meet at Noida. Built on the only available land parcel in Sector 107, Noida, Ekanam embodies the company’s philosophy, “Great is the New Norm,” promising excellence in design, quality, and sustainable community living. With seamless connectivity to Noida Expressway, DND Flyway, metro stations, and proximity to the upcoming Jewar Airport, the project ..

Advertisement

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Get daily newsletters around different themes from Construction world.

STAY CONNECTED

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Talk to us?