HFCL Limited Secures ₹2,501 Crore BSNL Contract for Punjab BharatNet Project
HFCL Limited, a leading telecom infrastructure provider, has recently been awarded an Advance Work Order worth approximately ₹2,501.30 crore from Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) for the BharatNet Phase III project in Punjab. This significant contract covers the design, construction, and maintenance of the middle-mile network in the Punjab Telecom Circle.
The project, which was announced on January 16, 2025, marks a crucial step towards the national goal of connecting 640,000 Indian villages with high-speed internet under the BharatNet Phase III initiative. With a focus on providing a minimum bandwidth of 100 Mbps to over 250,000 gram panchayats, this project plays a vital role in expanding digital connectivity to rural and underserved areas.
The contract will be executed on a Design Build Operate and Maintain (DBOM) model, with a three-year construction period followed by a 10-year maintenance contract. The total order value includes capital expenditure of ₹1,244.61 crore and operational expenditure of ₹1,256.70 crore, allocated for the maintenance of both new and existing networks.
In terms of the maintenance contract, HFCL Limited will incur charges of 5.5% per annum of the capital expenditure for the first five years, which will increase to 6.5% for the subsequent five years. This long-term commitment reflects HFCL’s dedication to ensuring the seamless operation of the network infrastructure and optimizing the delivery of high-speed internet services across Punjab.
The successful bid for this project underscores HFCL Limited’s expertise and capabilities in the telecom infrastructure sector. By securing this substantial contract, the company reaffirms its commitment to supporting the Digital India initiative and driving greater connectivity and inclusivity across the country. As the project progresses, HFCL Limited will play a crucial role in bridging the digital divide and empowering communities with advanced communication technologies.
Overall, this significant development highlights the importance of public-private partnerships in advancing the nation’s digital infrastructure and underscores the transformative impact of high-speed internet connectivity in driving economic growth and social development. Through this project, HFCL Limited continues to be at the forefront of enabling a digitally empowered and connected India.
