Bhubaneswar: Odisha is set for a major expansion of its rural digital infrastructure with the Centre committing an additional ₹3,384 crore under Phase-III of the BharatNet project to provide high-speed broadband connectivity across the state, officials said on Wednesday.
The funding, sanctioned under the Digital India Mission, will be utilised to upgrade all 6,799 gram panchayats with Internet Protocol Multi-Protocol Label Switching (IP MPLS) technology in a ring topology while extending Fiber to the Home (FTTH) connectivity to villages. The project is scheduled for completion over the next three years under the guidance of Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi.
According to the state government, the expanded network will provide internet services to more than 50,000 villages, strengthening access to digital education, healthcare, e-governance and rural economic activities.
As part of the implementation strategy, each block will serve as a Block Optical Fiber Connectivity Centre, from where connectivity will be extended to Panchayat Optical Fiber Connectivity Centres and subsequently to individual households. Every block and gram panchayat will also function as data exchange centres to improve network reliability and service delivery.
Electronics and Information Technology Minister Mukesh Mahaling thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi for facilitating the project, saying it would significantly accelerate Odisha’s digital transformation.
The state government also signed two Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) on Wednesday to strengthen digital infrastructure and technology adoption.
The first is a tripartite agreement involving the Digital Bharat Nidhi (DBN), the Odisha Electronics and IT Department, the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) and BSNL for implementation of the revised BharatNet programme in the state.
The second MoU was signed between the Electronics and IT Department and the Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (C-DAC) to promote collaboration in emerging technologies, research and digital governance.
The partnership with C-DAC is expected to support the adoption of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and cyber security solutions, enabling faster, more secure and transparent delivery of government services, officials said.
The government said the two agreements would provide fresh momentum to Odisha’s digital infrastructure development and contribute to building a more connected and technology-driven state.
