Bhubaneswar: To unlock commercial potential of public digital infrastructure, Bhubaneswar Smart City Limited (BSCL) has decided to lease out its unused optical fibre network to licensed telecom and internet service providers.BSCL has floated a tender to lease out 480 km of citywide fibre network that is currently lying idle. The aim here is to generate a steady revenue stream for the smart city company while supporting the expansion of telecom and broadband services in the city.Officials said the fibre network was originally laid as part of the Smart City Mission to meet the city’s connectivity needs. “The optical fibres are currently lying unused. Leasing it out ensures utilisation of a public asset,” BSCL general manager Purandar Nanda said.The leasing model envisages short-term contracts with the option of renewal, allowing BSCL to earn regular lease rentals without transferring ownership of the asset. “This approach helps BSCL monetise the infrastructure without capital expenditure,” he said.According to BSCL, the revenue earned from leasing will be spent on other infrastructure work. “The income will strengthen BSCL’s financial position and support maintenance of smart city assets, including surveillance systems, traffic management solutions and public service platforms,” another official said.Sources said the availability of citywide fibre through a govt-owned entity could also encourage competition among service providers. “For telecom players, leasing ready infrastructure lowers entry barriers,” officials noted.The tender is open to licensed telecom operators and internet service providers with a proven track record. The selection will be done through a competitive bidding process, with the highest bidder offered priority access to the leased network.“Cities have invested heavily in digital infrastructure under the Smart City Mission. Leasing unused capacity is a practical way to ensure financial sustainability while enabling better services for residents,” officials added.Bhubaneswar is among the cities that have created an extensive fibre backbone under the Smart City Mission. By leasing unused portions, BSCL expects to turn the infrastructure into a long-term revenue-generating asset.
