PM Modi inaugurates BSNL’s Swadeshi 4G project in Jharsuguda, strengthening India’s digital reach and telecom self-reliance
On September 27, 2025, Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Swadeshi 4G network of BSNL from Jharsuguda, Odisha, while inaugurating around 97,500 mobile towers built with indigenous technology. The launch was also part of BSNL’s silver jubilee celebrations, reflecting the growing emphasis of India on self-reliance in telecom.
Indigenous 4G Network Built for the Future
The project has been developed at a cost of ₹37,000 crore and is powered by a completely indigenous 4G technology stack. Out of the total towers, more than 92,600 are already operational with 4G connectivity. Built on cloud architecture, the system can be seamlessly upgraded to 5G in the future.
Connecting Villages and Remote Regions
The rollout aims to provide network access to 26,700 villages across the country. In Odisha alone, 2,472 villages will benefit, many of which are located in border areas, remote regions, and left-wing extremism-affected zones. With this expansion, BSNL is set to add 20 lakh new subscribers.
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Green Telecom Powered by Solar Energy
A large number of the new towers are solar-powered, making the project India’s biggest green telecom cluster. This will cut down carbon emissions and provide connectivity to villages where electricity is challenging to procure.
India in Select Group of Nations Producing Telecom Equipment
India may now be regarded as a select group of countries, like China, Denmark, Sweden, and South Korea, that produce their telecommunication equipment. This achievement makes it easier for India to function as a self-sustaining telecommunications nation that does not have to depend upon foreign telecommunications suppliers.
Reason for Choosing Odisha
Odisha was chosen, as it has many villages without telecommunications connectivity. With this rollout in Odisha, over 2,400 villages will have telecommunication services available in some manner. During Prime Minister Modi’s visit, he also launched new development initiatives for Odisha that would focus on infrastructure and development.
Part of the Digital Bharat Nidhi Mission
The initiative is part of the Digital Bharat Nidhi mission that aims toward 100 percent 4G saturation in around 29,000 to 30,000 villages. The project is being executed in mission mode to ensure no region is left digitally unconnected.
FAQs
Q1. What makes BSNL’s 4G network unique?
It is fully based on Indian technology, making it both self-reliant and ready for future 5G upgrades.
Q2. How many towers have been installed?
Nearly 97,500 towers have been commissioned, with over 92,600 already live on 4G.
Q3. How many villages will get connected?
Around 26,700 villages nationwide, including 2,472 in Odisha, will now have telecom connectivity.
Q4. What is the cost of the project?
The project cost is about ₹37,000 crore.
Q5. How will this benefit rural India?
It will bring telecom access to remote and unserved villages, add 20 lakh subscribers, and support digital inclusion.
