ITI Ltd. and its consortium partner have emerged as the lowest bidder for the BharatNet phase-3 project, valued at Rs 3,022 crore, as per a recent filing with the exchange. The consortium secured the lowest bid for package no. 8 in Himachal Pradesh and for package no. 9 in West Bengal, along with the Andaman & Nicobar Islands. These two packages are part of a total of 16 packages across the country, with 11 packages already tendered.
The BharatNet phase-3 project, initiated by Bharat Sanchar Nigam Ltd., involves the design, supply, construction, installation, upgrading, operation, and maintenance of the middle-mile network. The project is aimed at expanding broadband access to rural India, with funding from the Universal Service Obligation Fund under the Department of Telecommunications. Its objective is to connect all 6.4 lakh villages, gram panchayats, and blocks in India with high-speed broadband, bridging the digital divide and providing equitable access to online services.
Rajesh Rai, Chairperson and Managing Director of ITI, expressed his satisfaction, stating, “We are delighted to be selected as the lowest bidder for the BharatNet phase-3 project in Himachal Pradesh, West Bengal, Sikkim, and Andaman & Nicobar Islands. Being part of this national initiative is a matter of great pride.”
ITI Ltd. (Indian Telephone Industries Ltd.) is a public sector enterprise established in 1948 and is one of India’s leading manufacturers of telecommunications equipment and services. It is a pioneer in the telecom industry, offering a wide range of products, including switches, routers, optical fiber cables, and satellite communication systems.
It has a significant role in the government’s mission to enhance digital infrastructure across the country. The company also provides services related to broadband connectivity, smart city solutions, and security systems, contributing to the development of India’s telecom ecosystem.
With its state-of-the-art manufacturing plants and strong R&D capabilities, ITI Ltd. has consistently been a key player in the modernization of telecom networks, supporting initiatives like BharatNet and Digital India.
