Naidu Initiates Revival of FiberNet Project

Quick Summary

• AP FiberNet Revival: Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu directed officials to revive the AP FiberNet, claiming it was rendered defunct by the YSR Congress Party (YSRCP). connections fell from 8.70 lakh in 2019 to 4.50 lakh during the YSRCP regime.
• allegations Against YSRCP: Naidu alleged misuse of public funds and creation of unauthorized posts under YSRCP leadership, increasing workforce from 130 employees to 1,350.
• Action Plan: Orders for inquiry into previous appointments and a target set to increase connections back to at least 8-10 lakh.
• BharatNet Integration: Approved integration of AP FiberNet with BharatNet program; ₹1,900 crore funding from Central government allocated between 2025-2035.
• Infrastructure Expansion: Transition of fiber networks in identified gram panchayats (GPs) across Chittoor and Visakhapatnam districts from linear to ring architecture; plans for connecting an additional 480 GPs using this model.
• Special Purpose Vehicle Proposal: Proposed creation of a joint SPV between central and State governments for project oversight.
• Focus on Rural Areas: Plans include reintroducing services like virtual classrooms, strengthening rural fiber networks, and resolving cable operator issues.

Indian opinion Analysis

The revival of AP FiberNet signals efforts by the Andhra Pradesh government under N. Chandrababu Naidu’s leadership to restore connectivity infrastructure that he alleges was mismanaged during earlier administration periods. The shift towards ring architecture could potentially result in more reliable service delivery across underserved regions like gram panchayats in Chittoor and Visakhapatnam districts.

The proposed integration with BharatNet is meaningful as it not onyl commits long-term federal funding but also aims at bridging digital divides through enhanced focus on rural connectivity. Governance reforms such as scrutinizing workforce management are logical steps toward ensuring sustainability within public projects like FiberNet while mitigating financial inefficiencies or political favoritism claims previously associated with such appointments.

though, challenges such as regaining trust among impacted or disconnected users remain critical alongside delivering promised expansions within the stipulated timeframe-ultimately making AP’s digital roadmap contingent upon effective execution rather than mere promises.

Read more at The Hindu.