Creative Newtech Ltd-led consortium wins BSNL advance work order for middle-mile rollout under BharatNet Middle Mile Network Project in Odisha.

Creative Newtech Limited, along with its consortium partner, has received an Advance Work Order (AWO) from Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL), acting on behalf of Digital Bharat Nidhi under the Department of Telecommunications.

The order, valued at approximately ₹3,194.83 crore, covers the end-to-end development and maintenance of the BharatNet middle-mile network in the Odisha Telecom Circle. The scope includes design, supply, construction, installation, upgradation, operations, and long-term maintenance of the network infrastructure.

The project forms part of the Government of India’s flagship rural connectivity initiative, BharatNet Programme, aimed at expanding high-speed digital infrastructure to underserved and rural regions. In Odisha, the upgraded network is expected to strengthen digital access for citizens and institutions, enabling improved delivery of e-governance, education, healthcare, enterprise services, and other public utilities.

According to the project framework, the consortium will undertake large-scale network modernization, including upgrading existing infrastructure to a ring topology, deploying optical fibre and IP-MPLS systems, and establishing a State Network Operations Centre. The mandate also includes implementing advanced fibre monitoring tools, network management systems, and power infrastructure, along with extending retail, enterprise, and wholesale connectivity services across thousands of locations.

The engagement integrates infrastructure creation with long-term operations and maintenance, positioning the consortium for extended lifecycle involvement beyond initial deployment. It also opens the possibility of recurring revenue streams tied to ongoing network services and upkeep.

For Creative Newtech, the contract marks a deeper entry into large public sector digital infrastructure programmes and strengthens its capabilities in systems integration, execution governance, and managed services. The company noted that the project also aligns with its longer-term strategy to expand into emerging technology areas such as AI, IoT, and data center infrastructure.

Chairman and Managing Director Ketan Patel described the award as a significant milestone, stating that the project reflects the company’s evolving focus on building capabilities in infrastructure execution and long-term service delivery while contributing to India’s digital inclusion goals.