During the review of the Ministry of Communication, discussions were held on the Capex plans for the financial year 2024-25. The key areas of focus included the BharatNet Programme, projects utilizing Indigenous 4G Technology, the Network for Spectrum, and the 4G saturation and other mobile projects. The Ministry of Communication’s Capex budget allocation for FY2024-25 is estimated at ₹28,835 crore.
The Secretary of the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) provided an update to the Finance Minister on the Capex plan and targets for the BharatNet project. This project is aimed at delivering affordable broadband services to citizens in rural and remote areas. Additionally, the Secretary briefed on the capital expenditure plans for the 4G saturation project and other mobile tower initiatives, which are designed to enhance connectivity in uncovered villages in remote and challenging areas.
The Secretary of DoT also informed the Finance Minister that with the help of fully indigenous 4G technology, 21,000 4G mobile towers are already operational, serving 30 lakh consumers. The Secretary highlighted the 4G Saturation drive, which aims to cover aspirational districts and blocks. The Secretary assured the Finance Minister that all targets are on track and will be achieved within the set timelines.
Review of Capex for the Ministry of Road, Transport and Highways
In the same meeting, the financial and physical progress of Capex for the Ministry of Road, Transport and Highways (MoRTH) was also reviewed. The Secretary of MoRTH briefed the Finance Minister on the remarkable growth of the National Highway Network over the past decade. There has been a significant increase—almost 2.4 times—in the average annual construction of national highways during the 2014-2024 period compared to the 2004-2014 period. The focus has been on the development of 2 Lane / 2 Lane with Paved Shoulder roads, 4 Lane roads and above, and High-Speed Corridors.
The Secretary further detailed the Capex plans for the remaining period of FY2024-25. Efforts are being made to attract private capital through various measures, and steps are being taken to ensure that asset recycling targets are met.
The budgetary Capex allocation for the Ministry of Road, Transport and Highways has seen a substantial increase of 90%, rising from ₹1.42 lakh crore in FY2019-20 to ₹2.72 lakh crore in FY2024-25.
Emphasis on Timely Execution and Asset Creation
During the meeting, Finance Minister Smt. Sitharaman emphasized the importance of meaningful asset creation for public utility. She highlighted the need for setting and achieving Quarterly targets within the stipulated timeframe. The Finance Minister urged the respective Ministries to expedite implementation and make up for any shortfalls in the Q1 and Q2 targets within the third quarter of FY2024-25.
The series of review meetings underscores the government’s commitment to monitoring and ensuring the efficient execution of Capex projects, which are crucial for the nation’s infrastructure development and economic growth.
