The Central government has disbursed ₹2,229 crore to strengthen mobile connectivity in rural and remote areas of Odisha, Union Communications Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia informed the Rajya Sabha.

In a written reply in the House, Scindia said the support was provided through the Digital Bharat Nidhi, which aims to expand telecommunication services in underserved rural, remote and urban areas across the country.

According to the minister, 34,780 mobile towers have been planned under 12 DBN-funded projects nationwide to extend connectivity to 46,331 villages lacking adequate telecom infrastructure.

Of these, 5,182 mobile towers are planned in Odisha to provide mobile connectivity to 7,157 villages in rural and remote regions of the state.

The minister further said that 4,470 towers will be installed in 13 districts of Odisha that fall under areas notified in the Fifth Schedule of the Constitution of India, which covers tribal-dominated regions.

As of February 28, 2026, ₹2,229.35 crore has been disbursed from the Digital Bharat Nidhi to telecom operators to provide mobile services in Odisha’s rural areas. Of this, ₹1,859.95 crore has been allocated specifically for districts covered under the Fifth Schedule, the minister said.

The initiative aims to improve digital connectivity, promote inclusive development and support access to communication services in remote and tribal areas of the state.