Centre Approves ₹2,432 Crore for BharatNet Expansion in Andhra Pradesh

Digital Bharat Nidhi (DBN) has signed an agreement with the Andhra Pradesh government for the implementation of the Amended BharatNet Programme (ABP) in the state, as per a PIB report.  

The Centre has approved financial support of ₹2,432 crore for the project, according to an official statement issued on May 13, 2026. 

Agencies Sign Pact for BharatNet Rollout 

The agreement was signed between DBN under the Department of Telecommunications (DoT), the Andhra Pradesh government, Andhra Pradesh BharatNet Infrastructure Limited (APBIL), Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL), and Andhra Pradesh State FiberNet Limited (APSFL). 

The programme will be implemented through APBIL under a state-led model. 

Broadband Coverage Across Rural Areas 

Under the project, broadband infrastructure will be expanded across 13,426-gram panchayats in Andhra Pradesh. This includes the upgrade of 1,692-gram panchayats covered under Phase I of BharatNet. 

The existing linear topology in these locations will be converted into ring topology to improve network stability and reduce service interruptions. The project will also cover 11,254-gram panchayats under Phase II and 480 newly created gram panchayats. 

In addition, broadband connectivity will be provided to 3,942 villages on a demand basis to strengthen last-mile connectivity in rural regions. 

Expected Fibre Connections 

According to the statement, the programme is expected to facilitate more than 5 lakh rural home fibre connections in Andhra Pradesh with financial support from the Government of India. 

Officials said the expanded network may support access to digital services including online education, telemedicine, e-governance services, and digital payment systems in rural and remote areas. 

The agreement signing took place at Sanchar Bhawan in New Delhi in the presence of officials from DoT, DBN, BSNL, APBIL, and APSFL. 

Background of BharatNet Programme 

The Union Cabinet approved the Amended BharatNet Programme on August 4, 2023. The programme is to upgrade and expand the existing BharatNet network to improve broadband access across villages and gram panchayats. 

Digital Bharat Nidhi, earlier known as the Universal Service Obligation Fund (USOF), functions under the Department of Telecommunications and supports telecom connectivity projects in underserved and remote areas. 

Read More: Bihar Government Revises EV Policy With Focus on Charging Infrastructure and Incentives! 

Conclusion 

The Andhra Pradesh project is part of the BharatNet expansion programme focused on improving rural broadband infrastructure and extending fibre connectivity across villages in the state. 

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