The BharatNet project, part of the government’s initiative to expand connectivity, is projected to be completed by 2025. For Phase 3, Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) has named the HFCL-RVNL-Aerial Telecom Solutions Private Limited consortium as the lowest bidder, with a bid valued at Rs 6,925 crore to develop the middle-mile network in Uttar Pradesh (East and West).
Additionally, the consortium is set to receive a 10-year Operations & Maintenance (O&M) contract worth Rs 4,155 crore, with payments structured at 5.5% per annum of the capex for the first five years and 6.5% for the following five years, commencing after the first network ring is completed.
HFCL also secured another BSNL contract for the BharatNet Phase-3 project in Punjab, with a bid of Rs 1,244 crore and a subsequent 10-year O&M contract worth approximately Rs 746 crore. The O&M payments follow a similar rate structure.
Mahendra Nahata, Managing Director of HFCL, stated, “Our proven track record in delivering critical projects reinforces our position as a trusted partner for the Government of India. With a diverse product portfolio, HFCL is well-positioned to support the BharatNet Phase III program.”
Through BharatNet, the Indian government aims to provide high-speed broadband connectivity to remote villages and gram-panchayats nationwide.
