Jharsuguda, Sep 27: In a landmark moment for India’s telecom sector, Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited’s (BSNL) ‘Swadeshi’ 4G stack from Jharsuguda in Odisha on Saturday, marking the nation’s entry into a select group of countries capable of manufacturing their own telecom equipment.

The launch coincided with BSNL’s silver jubilee celebrations, underscoring 25 years of public service in the telecommunications domain.

Towering Progress: 97,500 Sites Commissioned
As part of the initiative, PM Modi also commissioned more than 97,500 mobile 4G towers nationwide, including 92,600 sites powered by BSNL’s indigenous 4G technology. This massive infrastructure upgrade is expected to significantly enhance connectivity, especially in rural and remote regions.

The towers have been constructed at an estimated cost of ₹37,000 crore, reflecting India’s commitment to self-reliance in critical technology sectors.

Swadeshi Tech for a Digital Future
The ‘Swadeshi’ 4G stack is a fully indigenous solution developed by Indian engineers and companies, aligning with the government’s “Atmanirbhar Bharat” vision. It promises enhanced security, scalability, and cost-efficiency, while reducing dependence on foreign vendors.

With this move, India joins the ranks of nations like the US, China, and South Korea that possess in-house telecom manufacturing capabilities.

This rollout is expected to accelerate India’s digital transformation, empower local innovation, and strengthen national security through self-reliant infrastructure.

Notably, PM Modi today laid the foundation stone and inaugurated multiple development projects worth over Rs.60,000 crore in Jharsuguda. These projects span across telecommunications, railways, higher education, healthcare, skill development, rural housing sectors, among others.