Lakshadweep: In a historic moment, Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi inaugurated the Kochi-Lakshadweep Islands Submarine Optical Fiber Connection (KLI-SOFC) project during his visit to Kavaratti, Lakshadweep. This monumental initiative, part of various developmental projects surpassing Rs 1,150 crore, spans multiple sectors including technology, energy, water resources, healthcare, and education.
Transformative Impact on Internet Connectivity
The KLI-SOFC project heralds a new era by enhancing internet speed, unlocking unprecedented possibilities and opportunities for Lakshadweep. For the first time since independence, the Lakshadweep islands are connected through a dedicated Submarine Optic Fibre Cable (OFC), ensuring a paradigm shift in communication infrastructure.
This dedicated submarine OFC guarantees faster and more reliable internet services, revolutionizing telemedicine, e-governance, educational initiatives, digital banking, and digital literacy. The Prime Minister emphasized that this advancement will lead to a remarkable improvement in government services, medical treatment, education, and digital banking.
The Prime Minister’s Commitment
Addressing the gathering, Prime Minister Modi reiterated his commitment made in 2020, assuring fast internet within 1,000 days. He proudly declared, “Kochi-Lakshadweep Islands Submarine Optical Fiber Connection (KLI-SOFC) project has been dedicated to the people today and will ensure 100 times faster Internet for the people of Lakshadweep.”
The transformative impact extends beyond connectivity. It encompasses facilities like government services, medical treatment, education, and digital banking. The Prime Minister foresaw the potential of developing Lakshadweep as a logistics hub, gaining strength from this technological leap.
Promises for the People
In his address, Prime Minister Modi assured the people of Lakshadweep that the government remains committed to their ease of living, ease of travel, and ease of doing business. He emphasized the pivotal role Lakshadweep will play in the creation of a developed India, stating, “Lakshadweep will play a strong role in the creation of a Viksit Bharat.”
Administrator of UT of Lakshadweep, Shri Praful Patel, graced the occasion, highlighting the collaborative effort towards this milestone.
Background – Kochi-Lakshadweep Submarine OFC (KLI) Project
The need for digital connectivity in Lakshadweep led to the conception of the Kochi-Lakshadweep Submarine OFC Project (KLI project). The Department of Telecommunications (DOT) promptly initiated the project to address the limitations of communication through satellite mediums.
The KLI project, completed within the stipulated timelines, extends submarine cable connectivity from the mainland (Kochi) to eleven Lakshadweep Islands. These islands include Kavaratti, Agatti, Amini, Kadmat, Chetlet, Kalpeni, Minicoy, Androth, Kiltan, Bangaram, and Bitra. The Universal Services Obligation Fund (USOF), Department of Telecommunication, funds the project.
Key Project Details
- Total link distance: 1,868 kilometers.
- Total cost of the project: Rs 1072 crore plus taxes.
Benefits of the KLI Project
The KLI Project promises a significant contribution to the objectives of ‘Digital India’ and the ‘National Broadband Mission.’ Its impact on e-governance, tourism, education, health, commerce, and industries will be profound. The high-speed broadband connectivity will enhance the standards of living for the Lakshadweep population.
High-speed broadband will be delivered through Fiber-to-the-Home (FTTH) and 5G/4G mobile networks. The bandwidth created under this project will be available to all Telecom Service Providers (TSPs), strengthening their services in the Lakshadweep Islands.
Accelerating Social and Economic Development
The KLI Project marks a crucial step towards the social and economic development of Lakshadweep. E-Governance initiatives will receive a significant boost, fostering tourism, education, healthcare, and commerce. The project aligns seamlessly with the overarching goal of ‘Digital India,’ empowering the Lakshadweep Islands with enhanced connectivity.
