Centre Approves ₹2,432 Crore for BharatNet Expansion

• 14 May 2026

On 13th May 2026, the Centre approved financial support of ₹2,432 crore for implementation of the Amended BharatNet Programme (ABP) in Andhra Pradesh.

• The initiative aims to expand broadband connectivity and strengthen rural telecom infrastructure across the state.
• The implementation agreement was signed at Sanchar Bhawan between Digital Bharat Nidhi, the Andhra Pradesh government, Andhra Pradesh BharatNet Infrastructure Limited, Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited and Andhra Pradesh State FiberNet Limited.
• The programme will cover 13,426 Gram Panchayats across Andhra Pradesh.
• It includes the upgradation of 1,692 Phase-I Gram Panchayats from linear to ring topology to improve network resilience.
• The project will also cover 11,254 Phase-II Gram Panchayats and 480 newly created Gram Panchayats.
• Additionally, 3,942 villages will receive broadband connectivity on a demand basis to strengthen last-mile access in rural and remote areas.
• Officials stated that the programme is expected to facilitate more than five lakh rural home fibre connections.
• The expanded network is expected to improve access to digital services such as e-governance, telemedicine, online education and digital payments.
• The Amended BharatNet Programme was approved by the Union Cabinet in August 2023 to provide future-ready broadband connectivity to all Gram Panchayats and villages on demand.