IT-Led Consortium Emerges As Lowest Bidder for Rs 3,022 Crore BharatNet Project

ITI Ltd., alongside its consortium partner, has just secured the lowest bidder position for two major packages in this big BharatNet Phase-3 project, worth Rs.3,022 crore. BharatNet, India’s flagship project for rural broadband, is about bridging the digital gap and bringing fast internet to every gram panchayat and village across the country.

Scope of the Project 

The ITI-led consortium claimed victory in two packages: Package 8, covering Himachal Pradesh, and Package 9, spanning West Bengal, Sikkim, and the Andaman & Nicobar Islands. Out of 11 packages opened so far (from a total of 16), ITI emerged as the lowest bidder in these regions. Bharat Sanchar Nigam Ltd. (BSNL), managing the project, invited bids for the design, supply, and construction of BharatNet’s middle mile network, an essential infrastructure to drive India’s digital success. With BharatNet Phase-3, the vision is to deliver 100 Mbps broadband connectivity to even the remotest villages.

BharatNet’s Digital Mission

BharatNet has a big mission: to ensure fair and widespread internet access, especially for rural India. This phase aims to connect around 6.4 lakh villages, blocks, and panchayats with high-speed broadband. Their goal is to empower these communities with online access to education, healthcare, and economic opportunities, helping close the urban-rural digital divide.

ITI’s Experience

This isn’t ITI’s first major fibre network project. Already managing BharatNet Phase-2 work worth Rs.5,400 crore in Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra, and Gujarat, ITI brings a wealth of experience to the table.

ITI Ltd. shares are currently trading at Rs.287.50, up 7.88% today, despite a 6.43% drop year-to-date, and showing a 5.80% gain over the past year.

Conclusion: Rajesh Rai, ITI’s Chairman and MD, described BharatNet as a “nation-building project,” expressing pride in contributing to India’s digital infrastructure. For rural India, BharatNet has promised more than just faster internet, it’s a path to new opportunities, from education to local business growth. With Phase 3, ITI and its partners are setting up for a digitally inclusive India, one connected village at a time.

Disclaimer: This blog has been written exclusively for educational purposes. The securities mentioned are only examples and not recommendations. It is based on several secondary sources on the internet and is subject to changes. Please consult an expert before making related decisions.