Union Cabinet approves BSNL revival plan worth Rs 1.64 trillion

BSNL has been saddled with steep losses (over Rs 50,000 crore in the past five years) and obsolete technology, resulting in a decline in revenues and customers

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The 2019 package too had provided Rs 24,000 crore for 4G service but that could not be allocated earlier as BSNL was not ready with technology

Aneesh Phadnis Mumbai

3 min read Last Updated : Jul 28 2022 | 01:12 AM IST

The Union Cabinet on Wednesday cleared a Rs 1.64-trillion package for Bharat Sanchar Nigam Ltd (BSNL) as part of a four-year turnaround plan. The package includes a mix of financial support, debt restructuring, viability-gap funding, and administrative allotment of spectrum, which may help the state-owned telecom service provider to de-stress its balance sheet, improve landline network, and launch 4G service.

“It is expected that with the implementation of this revival plan, BSNL will turn around and earn profit in FY2026-27,” Telecom Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said.

The Cabinet also approved the merger of Bharat Broadband Network Limited (BBNL), a government-owned special purpose vehicle, with BSNL to boost the latter’s infrastructure and support its telephony services. Besides, a Rs 26, 316-crore scheme for providing