Omar Abdullah Reviews Efforts to Strengthen Telecom, Digital Infrastructure in J&K
Srinagar: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Tuesday chaired a review meeting on strengthening telecom and digital communications infrastructure in Jammu and Kashmir, with special emphasis on extending services to far-flung villages, dark zones, and railway tunnels.
The meeting was attended by IT Minister Satish Sharma, Advisor to the CM Nasir Aslam Wani, Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo, Additional Chief Secretary Dheeraj Gupta, several administrative secretaries, and BSNL officials. They reviewed the status of ongoing projects and the hurdles slowing their execution.
Highlighting connectivity as a key driver of progress, Abdullah said reliable mobile and internet services are vital for governance, education, healthcare, tourism, and public welfare.
BSNL officials briefed the meeting on the Amended BharatNet Project (ABP) Phase-III, aimed at providing high-speed internet to Gram Panchayats and rural areas. The CM directed adherence to strict timelines and prioritization of remote and uncovered habitations.
Key challenges discussed included early land allotment for telecom towers, faster Right of Way (RoW) permissions from departments like R&B, PMGSY, BRO, and Forests for laying optical fibre cables, and ensuring uninterrupted services through electricity supply to Gram Panchayats. Other measures discussed were centralized billing, smart metering, and availability of suitable government buildings for digital services.
Reaffirming the government’s commitment, Abdullah said: “Digital empowerment of our villages and towns is a cornerstone of inclusive growth. We are determined to ensure no part of J&K remains disconnected—whether a remote hamlet, dark zone, or railway tunnel.”
He directed BSNL and government departments to coordinate closely, resolve bottlenecks, and ensure timely delivery of connectivity projects across the Union Territory.
