Bhubaneswar: Odisha govt has initiated steps to fast-track digital connectivity across the state by facilitating the installation of 4G mobile towers at 707 new locations. In a letter issued by the electronics and information technology department, district collectors have been directed to ensure the timely allotment of govt land required for the project.The directive, given on Wednesday, follows a request from the Union ministry of communications, which is implementing the Digital Bharat Nidhi-backed 4G saturation project through BSNL. The initiative aims to extend 4G services to remote areas, thereby improving access to mobile connectivity and offering a range of digital services.Additional chief secretary Vishal Kumar Dev has asked collectors to expedite the issuance of no-objection certificates (NOCs) and make available around 2,000 square feet of govt land at each identified location. The move is expected to speed up the installation and commissioning of mobile towers under the centrally-funded programme.Officials said several districts have already made progress, with NOCs issued for 294 locations. The state govt has urged the remaining districts to expedite the process and remove procedural bottlenecks to ensure adherence to project timelines.“The expansion is crucial for bridging the digital divide in underserved regions by enabling better access to e-governance services, online education, telemedicine and digital payments. Improved connectivity is also expected to support local economic activity and strengthen communication infrastructure in rural and tribal areas,” a senior official of the department said.The letter emphasised that the matter should be treated as “most urgent”, underscoring the importance of strengthening digital connectivity infrastructure across the state. District administrations have been asked to coordinate closely with agencies concerned to ensure the smooth execution of the project and avoid delays.The push assumes significance as a large number of villages in Odisha still remain outside the mobile network coverage area. In March, electronics and IT minister Mukesh Mahaling informed the state assembly that 1,237 villages in the state lacked mobile network connectivity. Rayagada district had the highest number of such villages, at 145. According to the minister, tribal-dominated districts with hilly terrain and dense forest cover account for the majority of villages that remain disconnected from mobile communication networks. The ongoing 4G saturation project is expected to substantially improve connectivity in these difficult-to-access areas, official sources said.
