Telecom Connectivity in the Left Wing Region completed: Sinha

“The Government of India has completed the rollout of a telecom network in areas worst affected by left-wing extremism across ten states in record time as part of a major initiative to boost development in the Red Corridor,” Shri Manoj Sinha, Union Communication Minister, said, honouring Vihaan Networks Limited (VNL) with a plaque and completion certificate to commemorate the milestone. Working with BSNL, VNL set-up, the lion’s share of the world’s largest solar-powered green mobile network in LWE-affected regions using indigenously designed and manufactured technology in a record time of less than 18 months and is now operating and managing it for a period of 5 years. The Public-Private Partnership project was completed in the face of enormous risks and represents a success story of true grit and perseverance. The project is part of the Pragati Programme of the Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, and has been actively pushed by the Home Ministry.

On the occasion of Head of Circles Conference organized by BSNL, Hon’ble Minister of State, Ministry of Communications, Shri Manoj Sinha, felicitated VNL Founder and Chairman Shri Rajiv Mehrotra, for the timely and efficient execution of the project. The Minister also urged the domestic telecom industry to invest in research and development and innovative technology to produce world-class products for achieving the Prime Minister’s vision of a Digital India.

Anupam Shrivastava, CMD, BSNL, added, “India has the second-largest mobile subscriber base in the world. The government has fast-tracked reforms in the telecom sector and we continue to be proactive in resonating to the union government’s vision of ‘Make in India and Digital India’. VNL has been a key contributor to this endeavour, having completed the project in record time. Those involved in the felicitation are today’s leaders who are establishing tomorrow’s successes in our telecom sector.”

At the felicitation ceremony, Rajiv Mehrotra, Founder & Chairman, Vihaan Networks Limited, said, “We are proud to be contributing to the national cause through indigenously developed technology and products that are Made in India. Keeping in mind the difficult terrain, absence of roads, electricity and other infrastructure, we have deployed solar technology to power all equipment on the towers, making this the largest green mobile network anywhere in the world.” 

As a consequence of this project, a whole new world is opening up for citizens in the Red Corridor. Communicating with family, friends, employers and associates is now possible. Information related to agricultural inputs and markets is now available. Banking and other commercial activities are now accessible. Emergency and other health services are within reach. Governance is easier and more interactive.