PM Unveils Revolutionary Kochi-Lakshadweep Submarine Optical Fibre Connection for Lightning-Fast Internet

In a historic moment, Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Kochi-Lakshadweep Islands Submarine Optical Fibre Connection (KLI-SOFC) project during his visit to Kavaratti, Lakshadweep. This monumental project, part of an extensive development initiative exceeding Rs 1,150 crore, promises to transform various sectors, including technology, energy, water resources, healthcare, and education.

Revolutionizing Communication Infrastructure

The KLI-SOFC project, a first-of-its-kind for Lakshadweep since independence, is set to usher in a new era of connectivity. This dedicated submarine optical fibre cable will not only accelerate internet speed but also revolutionize communication infrastructure on the islands. With a focus on faster and more reliable internet services, the project will bolster telemedicine, e-governance, educational initiatives, digital banking, digital currency usage, and digital literacy.

Prime Minister’s Vision for Faster Internet

During his address, Prime Minister Modi emphasized the transformative impact of the KLI-SOFC project, ensuring “100 times faster internet for the people of Lakshadweep.” This commitment aligns with his earlier pledge in 2020 to provide fast internet within 1,000 days. The Prime Minister envisions improved government services, medical treatment, education, and digital banking, strengthening Lakshadweep’s potential as a logistics hub.

Government’s Commitment to Lakshadweep

Assuring the residents of Lakshadweep, Prime Minister Modi affirmed the government’s dedication to enhancing ease of living, travel, and business. He highlighted Lakshadweep’s crucial role in the creation of a developed India, a vision embodied in the term “Viksit Bharat.” The Administrator of the Union Territory of Lakshadweep, Shri Praful Patel, was also present at the inauguration.

Background – Kochi-Lakshadweep Submarine OFC (KLI) Project

The necessity of digitally connecting Lakshadweep prompted the Department of Telecommunications to initiate the Kochi-Lakshadweep Submarine OFC Project (KLI project). This project, completed within the stipulated timelines, involved submarine cable connectivity from the mainland (Kochi) to eleven Lakshadweep Islands.

Highlights of the KLI Project:

• Total link distance: 1,868 kilometers.
• Total cost of the project: Rs 1,072 crore plus taxes.

Key Benefits of the KLI Project:

• Facilitates the objectives of ‘Digital India’ and ‘National Broadband Mission.’
• Boosts e-governance, tourism, education, health, commerce, and industries in Lakshadweep.
• Accelerates overall social and economic development, improving standards of living.
• Provides high-speed wireline broadband connectivity for the population of Lakshadweep Islands.
• Enables high-speed broadband through FTTH and 5G/4G mobile networks.
• The created bandwidth is available to all Telecom Service Providers (TSPs) for enhancing telecom services in Lakshadweep.