The project of providing connectivity between Kochi and Lakshadweep Islands through Submarine Optical Fibre Cable (OFC) was approved on 09.12.2020. The project comprises islands of Kavarati and ten other islands from Lakshadweep, viz., Kalpeni, Agatti, Amini, Androth, Minicoy, Bangaram, Bitra, Chetlat, Kiltan and Kadmat. The project is targeted to be implemented by May 2023 i.e. within 1000 days from the date of announcement by Hon’ble Prime Minister on 15.08.2020.

Total financial implication is about Rs 1072 crore (excluding taxes), which includes capital expenditure of Rs 837 crore to be funded by Universal Service Obligation (USO) Fund and operational expenditure of Rs. 235 Crore for 5 years is to be funded by Ministry of Home Affairs/Union Territory (UT) administration of Lakshadweep Islands. As per Cabinet approval, letter issued on 18.12.2020, Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) was nominated as the Project Execution Agency and Telecommunications Consultants India Limited (TCIL) was appointed as the technical consultant of the project.