Tejas Networks Ships 17,000 Routers for BharatNet Phase III

A Milestone in Rural Connectivity

Tejas Networks, a Tata Group company, has achieved a significant operational milestone by cumulatively shipping over 17,000 of its TJ1400 IP/MPLS routers for the BharatNet Phase III project. This development marks a crucial step in the government's flagship initiative to provide high-speed broadband connectivity to rural and remote areas across India, effectively working to bridge the nation's digital divide.

The deployment of these indigenously designed and manufactured routers is already underway, with live traffic being carried at multiple locations. This progress underscores the tangible advancement of one of India's most ambitious digital infrastructure projects.

The Scale of BharatNet Phase III

BharatNet Phase III is a large-scale undertaking aimed at creating a robust and scalable middle-mile network. The project, approved with a budget of ₹1.39 lakh crore, focuses on upgrading the country's rural broadband infrastructure using modern IP-MPLS (Internet Protocol - Multiprotocol Label Switching) technology. The ultimate goal is to ensure that every rural citizen has access to high-quality, reliable internet services.

Under this phase, Tejas Networks is set to supply nearly 60,000 routers in total. This equipment will be deployed across more than 55,000 Gram Panchayats and 2,000 administrative blocks, significantly enhancing the digital backbone of the country.

Tejas Networks: The Largest Equipment Supplier

Tejas Networks has solidified its position as a key partner in India's digital transformation by securing contracts for seven of the twelve BharatNet Phase III packages announced to date. This makes the Bengaluru-based company the largest supplier of IP routing equipment for the project by the number of awarded packages.

The company's extensive involvement covers nine states—Bihar, Goa, Karnataka, Kerala, Madhya Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, and Manipur—along with five union territories. This wide geographic reach highlights the company's capacity to support a nationwide rollout.

Advanced Indigenous Technology: The TJ1400 Router

The cornerstone of this deployment is the Tejas TJ1400 series of access and aggregation routers. These carrier-class systems are designed and developed in India and feature a pioneering Software-defined Hardware architecture. This technology allows for a flexible, scalable, and reliable network capable of handling terabit-scale traffic, meeting the stringent performance benchmarks required for a mission-critical national network like BharatNet.

The use of indigenous technology not only supports the 'Make in India' initiative but also ensures that the network infrastructure is tailored to meet local conditions and requirements, enhancing its long-term viability and security.

Project Implementation and Partnerships

For the successful execution of this massive project, Tejas Networks is collaborating with five leading Project Implementation Agencies (PIAs). These partners include NCC, Polycab, Invenia-STL Networks, GR Infraprojects, and ITI. These agencies are responsible for the physical deployment of the routers and ensuring the network becomes operational across the designated regions.

Sunil Handoo, Vice President of Sales at Tejas Networks, thanked these PIA partners for selecting Tejas as their router supplier, emphasizing the collaborative effort required to upgrade the middle-mile networks and deliver connectivity to underserved communities.

Key Project Details at a Glance

Market Implications and Future Outlook

Securing the majority of the BharatNet Phase III packages is a significant achievement for Tejas Networks. It reinforces the company's leadership in the domestic telecom equipment market and showcases its capability to deliver on large, complex infrastructure projects. For the broader market, this progress signals a strong push towards self-reliance in critical telecom hardware.

Sanjay Malik, Chief Strategy and Business Officer at Tejas Networks, noted the company's delight in continuing its long association with the BharatNet program. The successful implementation of this phase is expected to create a transformative impact on rural India, enabling better access to education, healthcare, and economic opportunities through digital platforms.

Conclusion

The shipment of 17,000 routers by Tejas Networks is more than a logistical achievement; it represents a tangible step towards a digitally empowered rural India. As the deployment continues across thousands of villages, the BharatNet Phase III project moves closer to its goal of providing universal, high-speed internet access. The successful partnership between the government, Tejas Networks, and its implementation partners is critical to building a resilient and inclusive digital future for the nation.