In a major boost to Digital India and rural security, BSNL will deploy 4,000 mobile towers across Naxal-affected districts of Chhattisgarh by March 2026, ensuring last-mile connectivity and empowering millions in remote regions.
By Economy India Bureau | Published: July 28, 2025
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New Delhi/Raipur (EconomyIndia): In a landmark initiative to bridge the digital divide in India’s most remote and insurgency-affected regions, the government has announced that BSNL (Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited) will install 4,000 new mobile towers across Naxal-affected districts of Chhattisgarh. The move is part of a broader push to extend mobile and internet connectivity to underserved areas under the Digital India and Aspirational Districts programs.
📡 BSNL to Install 4,000 Mobile Towers in Naxal-Hit Areas of Chhattisgarh
Ministerial Announcement During State Visit
Union Minister of State for Telecommunications and Rural Development, Dr. P. Chandrasekhar, made the announcement during his three-day visit to Chhattisgarh. He visited several districts, including those categorized as aspirational districts, to review central government schemes and inspect telecom and rural infrastructure projects.
“Connectivity is empowerment. We are committed to bringing every corner of the nation online, including those where the network has never reached,” said the Minister.
📡 BSNL to Install 4,000 Mobile Towers in Naxal-Hit Areas of Chhattisgarh
The Numbers at a Glance
Key Metrics
Details
🏗️ Total Mobile Towers
4,000+ BSNL towers
📍 Target Regions
Sukma, Dantewada, Bijapur, Bastar, Narayanpur
🕒 Deployment Timeline
Starting December 2025 in phases
👥 Estimated Beneficiaries
Over 4 million rural citizens
🔐 Support Agencies
BSNL, Ministry of Home Affairs, State Government
Strategic Importance: More Than Just Connectivity
The project is not merely a telecom upgrade—it is a strategic intervention. The Naxal-affected areas, often labeled “network dark zones,” suffer not only from underdevelopment but also from security challenges. The lack of communication infrastructure has long hampered both public service delivery and counter-insurgency operations.
These new towers will offer:
Enhanced communication for security forces.
Real-time coordination during emergencies and operations.
Access to digital services for local citizens.
Educational and healthcare delivery through digital platforms.
Security Forces to Benefit from Reliable Network Access
Officials from central paramilitary forces such as CRPF and BSF have long requested improved network access in these red zones. With BSNL towers coming up, security agencies will gain real-time communication capability, better surveillance coordination, and faster emergency responses, especially in dense forests and high-risk zones.
Digital India: Finally Reaching India’s Last Mile
The move aligns with the Digital India mission, aimed at ensuring every Indian has access to digital governance, services, and economic opportunity.
Through these towers, citizens will gain:
4G connectivity
Access to PM-WANI Wi-Fi hotspots
Online education and telemedicine
Mobile banking and government e-services
Economic Impact and Local Employment Boost
According to government sources, the deployment will also create temporary and long-term employment opportunities for local youth. From tower construction to maintenance, priority will be given to hiring local manpower trained under skilling programs such as DDU-GKY and Skill India.
Expert Opinions: A Major Leap for Rural Inclusion
Telecom policy experts believe the move is crucial for rural upliftment:
“Connectivity is no longer a luxury. It is the bedrock of education, healthcare, governance, and even law enforcement. This project will transform the face of rural Chhattisgarh,” said Ravi Narayan, Senior Analyst, Telecom Policy Foundation.
Aspirational Districts in Focus
The initiative is heavily concentrated in the Aspirational Districts of Chhattisgarh, where indices of health, education, and connectivity have remained low.
This project is expected to:
Improve literacy rates by enabling access to online resources.
Digitize healthcare through teleconsultations in remote PHCs.
Enable e-governance at the panchayat level.
Bridge digital inequalities by giving villagers internet access.
Challenges Ahead: Security and Logistics
While the plan is ambitious, experts warn that execution will not be easy. The logistical complexity, coupled with Naxal threats to infrastructure, requires careful coordination with law enforcement and local stakeholders. However, similar projects in the Northeast and J&K offer operational models for success.
Digital India’s Most Challenging Frontier
BSNL’s 4,000-tower deployment in Chhattisgarh marks India’s boldest digital foray into insurgency-hit regions. It represents not just technological advancement but also a symbolic and strategic reclaiming of space—bringing development, governance, and hope to regions long neglected.
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