2.65 lakh GPs get optical fibre under BharatNet, ministry says

The question asked for details on the progress of the BharatNet Programme and National Broadband Mission 2.0, specifically regarding connectivity in certain districts of Chhattisgarh, Odisha, and Maharashtra. The Ministry of Communications provided the answer.

Shri Bhojraj Nag, Shri Manoj Tiwari (asked); Ministry of Communications (answered)

• Optical fibre connectivity to approximately 2.65 lakh Gram Panchayats (GPs) and approximately 3.8 lakh non-GP villages
• 1.50 crore rural fibre connections
• BSNL-led model covers 1,67,727 GPs in 21 States and 5 UTs
• State-led model covers 97,336 GPs in 7 States
• 43,908 km of optical fibre cable laid as of June 2026
• 13,494 GPs upgraded as of June 2026
• National Broadband Mission 2.0 launched on 17.1.2025
• National average fixed broadband download speed: 60.85 Mbps as on 31.3.2026
• Rural internet subscribers per 100 population: 48.31 during 2025-26
• Broadband connectivity to anchor institutions: 21,82,312 connections as on 31.3.2026
• Right of way applications disposal time reduced to 35.62 days in FY2025-26
• All 36 States and UTs live on centralised portal for right of way applications

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