BSNL to set up optical fibre cable connectivity between Kochi & Lakshadweep under Project KLI

The Cabinet has given its approval for provision of submarine optical fibre cable connectivity between Kochi and Lakshadweep Islands and the project will be executed by BSNL
BSNL to set up optical fibre cable connectivity between Kochi & Lakshadweep under Project KLI

New Delhi: The Union Cabinet has given its approval for provision of submarine optical fibre cable connectivity between Kochi and Lakshadweep Islands (KLI Project) and the project will be executed by state-run Bharat Sanchar Nigam Ltd (BSNL). The project envisages provision of a direct communication link through a dedicated submarine Optical Fibre Cable (OFC) between Kochi and 11 islands of Lakshadweep — Kavaratti, Kalpeni, Agati, Amini, Androth, Minicoy, Bangaram, Bitra, Chetlat, Kiltan and Kadmat. The estimated cost of implementation is about Rs 1,072 crore, including operational expenses for five years. The project would be funded by Universal Service Obligation Fund.

BSNL is execution agency, TCIL is technical consultant for KLI project

Bharat Sanchar Nigam Ltd (BSNL) is the nominated project execution agency for this project. And Telecommunications Consultant India Ltd (TCIL) is the Technical Consultant of the project to assist Universal Service Obligation Fund, Department of Telecommunications. The ownership of the asset under the project will rest with USOF, the funding agency, under DoT. The project is targeted to be completed by May 2023.

'KLI project will improve telecom facility in Lakshadweep Islands'

It is evident that the growth of the telecom infrastructure is closely linked with the economic and social development. Telecommunication connectivity plays vital role in employment generation. "The present approval for provision of submarine optical fibre cable connectivity will vastly improve telecommunication facility in the Lakshadweep Islands by providing large bandwidth," said an official statement.

"The submarine connectivity project will have vital role for the delivery of e-governance services at the doorstep of citizens, potential development of fisheries, coconut-based industries and high-value tourism, educational development in term of tele-education and in health care in terms of telemedicine facilities. It will help in establishment of numerous businesses, augment e-commerce activities and provide adequate support to educational institutes for knowledge sharing. The Lakshadweep Islands have the potential to become a hub of logistic services," the statement added.

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