Over 2,600 Odisha villages still without mobile connectivity; govt plans massive expansion

Despite rapid advancements in digital infrastructure, 2,603 villages in Odisha are yet to receive mobile network services, as revealed in the Odisha Legislative Assembly. The data was provided by IT Minister Mukesh Mahaling in a written response to a query raised by MLA Ramesh Behera.

According to official figures, Odisha has a total of 51,176 villages, out of which 2,603 villages remain unconnected. 

Aims to Bring Mobile Connectivity to Every Village

The Minister assured that the Digital Bharat Nidhi (DBN) initiative, in collaboration with the Government of India and the Odisha government, aims to bring mobile connectivity to every village.

To achieve this, the government has proposed installation of 4,210 mobile towers across the state. Of these, 2,572 towers are already operational, significantly improving network access in rural areas. The remaining towers are expected to become functional by June 2025, ensuring universal mobile connectivity across Odisha.

It is alleged that lack of mobile services in these villages has been a major hurdle in digital inclusion, education, e-governance, and financial transactions. The government’s initiative is expected to bridge the digital divide and facilitate the socio-economic development of remote and underserved communities.

With digital connectivity being a crucial aspect of modern life, the completion of this project will mark a significant milestone in Odisha’s journey towards technological empowerment and inclusive growth. The government has reassured that efforts will be intensified to meet the June 2025 deadline, ensuring seamless mobile network access for every village in the state.