BharatNet: 33.20% of service-ready GPs operational as of November 2025

Who it concerns: Union Government, Ministry of Communications, Department of Telecommunications, Bharat Broadband Network Limited (BBNL), and Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL).

What the auditor found

• CAG found that only 33.20% of service-ready Gram Panchayats (GPs) were operational as of November 2025, despite 96.70% achieving service-ready status.
• CAG noted that only 17.91% of available bandwidth was utilized, with major telecom providers withdrawing due to service quality concerns.
• CAG identified that BSNL diverted ₹2,001.43 crore from the project for other purposes under the CPSU-led model, which has since been recouped.
• CAG found that Detailed Project Reports (DPRs) were prepared based on desktop surveys rather than mandated physical surveys, and projects in Punjab and Bihar were implemented without DPRs.
• CAG reported that Wi-Fi Access Points were not installed in service-ready GPs for the satellite component, preventing end-user access.
• CAG noted that the Mean Time to Restore (MTTR) for fibre faults averaged 17 days, with fibre cuts accounting for approximately 48% of non-operational cases.
• CAG recommended streamlining planning approvals, implementing performance-linked disbursement models, and enhancing service quality through dedicated maintenance teams and AI-based fault detection.

Also in the document

• CAG stated that while infrastructure coverage reached 96.70% of targeted GPs, operational performance remained significantly low with persistent downtime.
• CAG highlighted that the decision to merge BBNL with BSNL and implement the Amended BharatNet Program (ABP) reflects an acknowledgement of governance and execution deficiencies noted in the audit.
• CAG observed that delays in rollout ranged from two to six years across all implementation models, deferring broadband availability in rural areas.