RVNL bags Rs 13,236 crore contract from BSNL for BharatNet Middle Mile Network development

New Delhi: Rail Vikas Nigam Limited (RVNL) has secured a significant contract valued at Rs 13,235.57 crore for the BharatNet Middle-Mile Network Project in Uttar Pradesh. The project, awarded by Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL), is a part of the Government of India's ambitious BharatNet initiative aimed at enhancing rural broadband connectivity.

PSU Watch is now on Whatsapp Channels. Click here to join

The RVNL-led consortium, which includes Himachal Futuristic Communications Limited (HFCL) and Aerial Telecom Solutions Pvt. Ltd. (ATS), will execute the project across all 75 districts of Uttar Pradesh. The initiative comprises two key packages—UP East and UP West—covering a total of 827 blocks and 59,280 Gram Panchayats. The scope of work involves the laying of approximately 82,500 km of optical fiber cable to establish a robust digital infrastructure in the region.

Funded by the Universal Service Obligation Fund (USOF) under the Department of Telecommunications (DoT), the BharatNet project is recognized as the world’s largest rural broadband connectivity program built under the Make in India initiative. The initiative aims to digitally empower rural communities by providing high-speed broadband access, fostering digital inclusion, and supporting various government programs.

The UP East package includes the supply and installation of approximately 56,000 km of optical fiber cable, covering 587 blocks and around 43,000 Gram Panchayats. The total cost of this package is Rs 9,613.42 crore, including Rs 5,008 crore for supply and execution, Rs 3,005 crore for the operation and maintenance (O&M) of the new network, and Rs 1,600 crore for the O&M of the existing network over a 10-year period.

Similarly, the UP West package involves laying approximately 26,000 km of optical fiber cable, covering 240 blocks and 16,280 Gram Panchayats. This segment of the project is valued at Rs 3,622.14 crore, comprising Rs 1,917 crore for supply and execution, Rs 1,150 crore for the O&M of the new network, and Rs 554 crore for the O&M of the existing network for a decade.

Under the scope of work, the consortium will construct new network infrastructure, upgrade the existing system from a linear to a ring topology for enhanced reliability, ensure operational efficiency over the contract period, establish a state-level Network Operations Centre (NOC) for network supervision, and enable service provisioning for retail, enterprise, and wholesale customers.

Expressing confidence in the project, RVNL Chairman and Managing Director (CMD) Pradeep Gaur stated that this initiative aligns with RVNL’s commitment to bridging the digital divide and strengthening rural connectivity. He emphasized that the company’s expertise in infrastructure development will help transform rural India by facilitating access to high-speed internet and enabling seamless digital services.

(PSU Watch– India's Business News centre that places the spotlight on PSUs, Bureaucracy, Defence and Public Policy is now on Google News. Click here to follow. Also, join PSU Watch Channel in your Telegram. You may also follow us on Twitter here and stay updated.)