Airtel has announced a significant expansion of its network infrastructure across the states of Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh. Over the past 12 months, the company has deployed over 2,400 new 5G sites, aimed at increasing network density and improving connectivity speeds for its user base.
Network Scope and Pace of Deployment
The infrastructure upgrade covers 87 districts, extending high-speed coverage to a potential customer base of approximately 36 million people. According to the company, the deployment rate averaged six new sites per day over the last year. This expansion is designed to service a wide demographic, ranging from major urban centers to smaller towns and rural villages.
Targeted Regions and Connectivity Goals
The enhanced network footprint includes several key districts across both states. Major beneficiaries of the expansion include:
- Madhya Pradesh: Indore, Bhopal, Gwalior, Jabalpur, Rewa, Ujjain, Sagar, and Dewas.
- Chhattisgarh: Raipur, Bilaspur, Durg, Korba, and Rajnandgaon.
Airtel states that the increased site density is intended to support high-bandwidth digital activities. The objective is to provide smoother streaming, faster download speeds, and improved reliability for digital payments and online work, addressing the growing data demands of students, government institutions, and micro-businesses.
Focus on Rural and Economic Corridors
In addition to urban expansion, the company has directed investment toward closing connectivity gaps in rural areas. The deployment includes increased infrastructure in villages, along major highways, in border areas, and within economic corridors. This strategic move aims to strengthen network density in locations that have previously experienced lower connectivity, supporting the wider adoption of digital services in non-urban pockets.
Regarding this, Ritesh Agrawal, CEO – Bharti Airtel for Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh, said:
Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh are among Airtel’s most strategic markets, and this expansion reflects our unwavering commitment to connecting the length and breadth of Bharat. Over the past year, we have deployed more than 2,400 new 5G sites, creating a robust digital backbone that will serve as a foundation for growth and innovation in these states. This large-scale rollout ensures that millions of people—across bustling cities, emerging towns, and remote rural villages—can access fast, reliable connectivity to power their everyday lives. Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh will continue to remain focus areas for Airtel, and we are committed to investing in advanced infrastructure, expanding our network footprint, and delivering world-class experiences to our customers as India moves rapidly towards a digital-first future.