New Delhi : A parliamentary panel has flagged gaps in the implementation of BharatNet and called for a comprehensive state-wise and implementation model-wise performance audit to identify bottlenecks and ensure broadband connectivity reaches all gram panchayats (GPs).
The Standing Committee on Communications and Information Technology, in its 32nd Report on Digital Bharat Nidhi, noted that while substantial infrastructure has been created under BharatNet, the number of operational GPs remains significantly below the programme’s objective of universal coverage.
As of February 28, 2026, BharatNet points of presence (PoPs) were operational at 78,899 GPs out of around 264,000 across the country, according to information provided by the Department of Telecommunications (DoT).
The committee called on the DoT to undertake a comprehensive, model-wise and state-wise performance audit of BharatNet and identify and address implementation bottlenecks. It also sought a revised, time-bound roadmap with clear accountability for completing connectivity to all GPs.
The DoT informed the panel that 719,000 km of optical fibre cable had been laid under BharatNet as of February 28, 2026. It also said Rs 406.35 billion had been disbursed from Digital Bharat Nidhi for BharatNet Phase I and Phase II as of the same date.
The committee also raised concerns over the utilisation of infrastructure already created. According to the DoT, 948,237 active fibre-to-the-home (FTTH) connections were operating under BharatNet as of February 28, 2026, all in rural areas.
The panel observed that despite extensive infrastructure deployment and dedicated funding, utilisation remained below the potential of the network, and the benefits of digital connectivity had not fully reached rural and remote areas. It recommended greater focus on increasing FTTH connections and improving utilisation of the existing BharatNet infrastructure.
