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Bhubaneswar, July 30 (UDN): In a major push towards strengthening digital infrastructure and expanding internet access in rural areas, Odisha is set to bring 50,000 villages under optical fibre connectivity through the Amended BharatNet Programme.
50,000 villages in Odisha to get optical fibre connectivity under Amended BharatNet. pic.twitter.com/Vh1ZLwvbHH
— E&IT Department Odisha (@EIT_Odisha) July 30, 2026
The initiative, announced by the state’s Electronics & Information Technology (E&IT) Department, aims to bridge the digital divide by extending high-speed broadband connectivity to villages across Odisha, enabling improved access to digital governance, education, healthcare and online services.
The rollout of optical fibre infrastructure is expected to significantly enhance internet connectivity in rural and remote areas, facilitating the delivery of e-governance services, digital financial transactions, telemedicine, online learning and other technology-driven public services.
Officials said the expansion under the Amended BharatNet Programme will strengthen the state’s digital ecosystem while creating new opportunities for economic growth, entrepreneurship and digital inclusion in rural communities.
The programme is also expected to improve internet access for government institutions, schools, healthcare centres and Gram Panchayats, ensuring faster and more reliable digital connectivity at the grassroots level.
The Odisha government has been prioritising the expansion of digital infrastructure as part of its broader vision of promoting inclusive development and leveraging technology to improve public service delivery. The latest initiative is expected to accelerate digital transformation across thousands of villages and empower rural citizens with better access to information and essential online services.
With the implementation of the Amended BharatNet Programme, Odisha aims to strengthen last-mile broadband connectivity and lay the foundation for a digitally connected rural economy.