*Haryana Accelerates Digital Connectivity, 5,154 Gram Panchayats Connected with BharatNet*

*Chief Secretary Anurag Rastogi reviews broadband reforms as the state targets a ₹150-crore incentive tied to RoW implementation*

Chandigarh, September 18 -Haryana has expanded digital connectivity, now covering 5,154 of 6,222 Gram Panchayats under BharatNet and activating 45,130 FTTH connections. Chief Secretary Anurag Rastogi today reviewed these broadband and telecom infrastructure initiatives.

At the State Broadband Committee meeting, Rastogi reviewed the implementation of the Telecommunications (Right of Way) Rules, 2024, the progress on the Amended BharatNet Programme, the expedited telecom infrastructure application clearances, 5G infrastructure, expansion, and protection of underground utility networks.

The meeting was significant as ₹150 crore has been allocated to Haryana under Part VI of the Centre’s Scheme for Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment (SASCI), 2026-27. This incentive depends on Haryana achieving six specified telecom reform milestones.

Haryana has met one key milestone by resolving all Right of Way applications pending as of March 31, 2026, earning an incentive of up to ₹22.5 crore.

The ₹150-crore reform package includes ₹45 crore for RoW order implementation, ₹22.5 crore for the state RoW portal, up to ₹22.5 crore for clearing the application backlog, ₹7.5 crore for reducing average disposal time to 45 days or less, ₹37.5 crore for BharatNet compliance, and ₹15 crore for meeting power-sector requirements.

The Chief Secretary reviewed timelines for the remaining reforms and emphasized coordinated action among departments and field authorities to ensure smooth telecom infrastructure rollout and achievement of milestones.

A key highlight was progress under the Amended BharatNet Programme. Of 6,222 Gram Panchayats, 5,154 (82.84%) have been covered, with 1,068 remaining. Haryana has 45,130 working FTTH connections, achieving 72.53% of the 62,220 target.

The programme aims to deliver high-speed connectivity to Gram Panchayats through a resilient network. The State Support Agreement addendum has been signed, and the Invest Haryana portal has been upgraded for BharatNet.

The committee discussed additional measures to support the programme, such as providing secured space for BharatNet equipment at Gram Panchayats, implementing a single Common Application Form for electricity connections, consolidated billing, and installing smart meters.

Haryana has advanced digitization of telecom infrastructure approvals by continuing with the upgraded Invest Haryana portal, which now accommodates the RoW Rules, 2024 and BharatNet. Key functions such as permission timelines, temporary overground networks, and special projects have been integrated.

The meeting also focused on reducing the average disposal time for new RoW applications to 45 days or less, another reform milestone carrying an incentive of ₹7.5 crore.

Rastogi reviewed steps to enhance district-level coordination through District Level Telecom Committees, chaired by Deputy Commissioners. The committee considered holding regular quarterly meetings to address telecom infrastructure issues and pending RoW cases at the field level.

The committee also emphasised broader use of the Call Before u Dig (CBuD) platform to prevent accidental damage to underground infrastructure during excavation. Haryana has 1,204 registered departmental users, and the committee discussed expanding its use across departments, district administrations, and field offices.

The committee considered supporting the next phase of 5G infrastructure, including small cells, rooftop sites, poles, and fibre on suitable government buildings and street furniture, in line with the RoW framework.

Regarding green energy, the meeting reviewed installing smart meters on telecom tower connections to enable providers to access green energy. Smart meters are also required at Gram Panchayats under the Amended BharatNet Programme, allowing shared infrastructure for renewable energy access and BharatNet electricity billing.

The Chief Secretary emphasised the timely completion of the remaining milestones, improved departmental coordination, and the leveraging of technology to expedite approvals and strengthen Haryana’s digital infrastructure.

The State Broadband Committee, chaired by the Chief Secretary, serves as the state-level arm of the National Broadband Mission. It is responsible for implementing broadband guidelines and monitoring progress across Haryana.

Sh. Apoorva Kumar Singh, Additional Chief Secretary to Government, Haryana, PW (B&R) Department, Sh. Vijayendra Kumar, Additional Chief Secretary to Govt., Haryana, Development & Panchayats Department, Sh. J.Ganesan, Commissioner & Secretary, CRID and Sh. Samwartak Singh Khangwal, Director, Information Technology, Electronics & Communication, Haryana were also present in the meeting.