Karnataka Power Transmission Corporation Limited (KPTCL) will commercialise the surplus ‘Dark Fibre’ available on its 6,119-kilometre Optical Ground Wire (OPGW) fibre network, a move that is expected to generate substantial long-term revenue for the corporation while supporting the expansion of Karnataka’s digital connectivity ecosystem.

Under the initiative, KPTCL will retain 12 out of its 24 optical fibre pairs for its captive grid communication requirements and lease the remaining 12 fibre pairs to licenced telecom service providers, data network companies and other authorised service providers.

Following the completion of a competitive bidding process, the project is expected to generate approximately ₹130 crore in fixed revenue for KPTCL over the 15-year contract period. In addition, the corporation will receive 40% of the revenue generated from leasing the dark fibre, along with co-location charges wherever KPTCL substation infrastructure is utilised.

The selected agency will be responsible for marketing and leasing the dark fibre, onboarding customers, operating and maintaining the entire OPGW network, billing, revenue collection and ensuring service quality throughout the contract period.

The agreement, proposed for 15 years (10 years with an extendable period of five years), will provide KPTCL with a fixed annual fee in addition to revenue-sharing benefits, creating a sustainable long-term revenue model through the optimal utilisation of public infrastructure.

“Commercialising the surplus dark fibre is an excellent example of optimising public assets. Besides creating a sustainable long-term revenue stream for KPTCL, this initiative will accelerate the growth of high-speed digital connectivity and the digital economy across Karnataka,” said K.J. George, Minister for Energy & Tourism, Government of Karnataka.

Published - August 08, 2026 09:30 pm IST