Multi-technology public sector major ITI Umited has received Letter of Intent (Loi) for the selection as the Project Implementation Agency (PIA) for MahaNet-I (BharatNet Phase II) in  Maharashtra for two packages, A and C, issued by Maharashtra Information Technology Corporation.

As part of BharatNet Phase II, MahaNet aims to digitally connect nearly 13,000 Gram Panchayats to Blocks through underground/aerial optical fiber and extend Broadband connectivity using IP-MPLS technology based products and extend broadband to local populace through wi-fi hot spots, according to a release here on Saturday.

As per the order ITI will be covering 18 districts, 110 talukas and 8695 Gram Panchayats. The works includes laying of Optical Fibre Cable (OFC underground and aerial) including site survey, planning, procurement, design, implementation network at talukas and GPs as well as Operations and Maintenance of the network. It also includes radio connectivity for Gram Panchayats that cannot be connected through fiber, implementation Of horizontal connectivity to government premises, schools and PHCs. Around 38,000 kms fiber cable has to be laid, that includes underground and aerial fiber to connect Gram Panchayats with blocks, district centers and state headquarter.

ITI, Chairman and Managing Director, K Alagesan, said, "ITI has implemented BharatNet Phase I in several States including Maharashtra and the MahaNet project gives an opportunity for further contribution to the BharatNet project."

Emphasizing on !Tl's contribution to BharatNet project, R M Agarwal, Director-Marketing, ITI, said, ''ITl's marketing initiatives are driven to supplement Government of India's missions like Make in India, Digital India, Smart City and Swachh Bharat."

BharatNet project is aimed at providing high speed broadband connectivity to the 250,000 Gram Panchayats in the country in an effort to provide broadband connectivity to all the villages in the country.

Shares of the company gained Rs 1.65, or 1.83%, to settle at Rs 92.00. The total volume of shares traded was 253,712 at the BSE (Tuesday).