Maharashtra signs an amended BharatNet Program agreement to expand rural broadband under the DBN-DoT framework, adopting a state-led model.

The rollout will reach 28,237 Gram Panchayats, with Phase I upgrading 15,171 Panchayats to a ring topology for resilience, Phase II covering 12,740 Panchayats, 326 newly created Panchayats, and on-demand connectivity to 15,799 villages.

The program targets more than nine lakh rural home fibre connections to boost e-Governance, online education, telemedicine, and digital payments in rural and remote areas.

The Centre has approved a financial package of ₹10,520 crore to support Maharashtra’s ABP implementation.

The agreement is signed by DBN, DoT, the Maharashtra government, MahaNet Digital Infrastructure Limited, BSNL, and MahaIT.