Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has formally launched Project GANGA, a large-scale digital inclusion initiative aimed at expanding broadband connectivity across the state while creating significant employment and entrepreneurship opportunities. The project, launched in association with the broadband vertical of Hinduja Global Solutions, is expected to connect more than 20 lakh households across Uttar Pradesh over the next two to three years.

According to a press release issued by OneOTT Intertainment Limited (OIL), the broadband arm of HGS and part of the Hinduja Group, the launch follows a Memorandum of Understanding signed in March 2026 between the State Transformation Commission and OIL. The initiative, titled Project GANGA (Government Assisted Network for Growth & Advancement), aims to build a robust digital ecosystem while promoting social and economic upliftment across urban and rural communities in the state.

The launch event in Lucknow was attended by senior state government officials, including Finance and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Suresh Kumar Khanna, IT and Electronics Minister Sunil Kumar Sharma, State Transformation Commission CEO Manoj Kumar Singh, along with representatives from HGS and the Hinduja Group.

A key component of the initiative is the creation of a network of 8,000 to 10,000 Digital Service Providers (DSPs) at the Nyaya Panchayat level. These local entrepreneurs will be responsible for delivering last-mile broadband connectivity and digital services within their communities. The programme is expected to generate more than 100,000 direct and indirect employment opportunities, with a strong emphasis on women’s participation in the digital economy.

To support the initiative, the Project GANGA portal has been launched, enabling citizens across Uttar Pradesh to apply for participation as DSPs. Selected entrepreneurs will receive structured onboarding, training, technology support and financing assistance through government-backed schemes such as CM-YUVA.

Speaking at the launch, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath highlighted the state’s commitment to digital empowerment. He noted that the Uttar Pradesh Budget 2026-27 had announced plans to create 8,000-10,000 digital entrepreneurs, with half of them being women, and expressed confidence that Project GANGA would become a catalyst for a digital revolution in the state.

Under the initiative, broadband services will be offered under the Ganga Fiber brand. The project seeks to expand access to high-speed internet across households, businesses and public institutions, helping improve access to education, healthcare, governance services and digital employment opportunities.

State Transformation Commission CEO Manoj Kumar Singh described the project as a major step toward strengthening Uttar Pradesh’s digital infrastructure. He said the initiative would empower citizens, particularly women, to build sustainable livelihoods while enhancing digital connectivity and economic growth across the state.

Vynsley Fernandes, Whole-Time Director of HGS and Managing Director & CEO of OIL, said the initiative aligns with the government’s vision of ensuring that every village, town and household is connected. He added that Project GANGA would create opportunities for local entrepreneurs while building a digital ecosystem capable of supporting the state’s long-term development goals.

The project will leverage the extensive infrastructure and operational capabilities of OIL, HGS and NXTDIGITAL, which together connect more than five million homes across India and operate in over 1,500 cities and towns through a network of 15,000 franchise partners and more than 2 lakh kilometres of fibre infrastructure.

Industry observers view Project GANGA as one of the most ambitious state-level broadband expansion programmes in the country, with the potential to accelerate digital adoption, strengthen local entrepreneurship and bridge connectivity gaps across Uttar Pradesh.