In a major push toward digital inclusion and smart governance, the Government of Gujarat has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Starlink Satellite Communications, a subsidiary of Elon Musk’s SpaceX, to provide high-speed satellite-based internet connectivity across remote and low-network regions of the state. The initiative aligns with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of ‘Viksit Bharat@2047’, which places digital governance at the core of India’s development journey.

The partnership aims to bridge connectivity gaps in rural, tribal, and geographically challenging areas of Gujarat, strengthening e-governance, public service delivery, and disaster preparedness.

Expanding Digital Governance and Inclusion

Under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, the Gujarat government has been steadily expanding digital infrastructure to ensure last-mile connectivity. The MoU with Starlink is expected to provide reliable, high-speed internet in areas where traditional telecom networks face limitations.

Officials said the satellite connectivity will support key government functions, including digital inclusion initiatives, e-governance platforms, and disaster management control rooms, ensuring uninterrupted communication even in emergencies.

Pilot Projects Across Key Public Services

As part of the agreement, pilot projects will be rolled out to connect critical public institutions, including:

• Common Service Centers (CSCs)

• Government schools

• Primary Health Centers (PHCs) with telemedicine facilities

• Disaster management control rooms

• Ports and wildlife sanctuaries

The initiative will particularly benefit aspirational districts such as Narmada and Dahod, along with tribal regions. Enhanced connectivity is also expected to strengthen police outposts, wildlife monitoring units, agricultural research centres, and disaster response systems.

Focus on Education, Healthcare and Capacity Building

The project places strong emphasis on improving education and healthcare outcomes. Schools will receive smart digital connectivity to support better learning experiences, while PHCs will be able to offer improved telemedicine services, increasing access to healthcare in remote areas.

In addition, joint training programmes will be conducted for government departments, schools, and disaster response teams to build digital capacity and operational readiness. A joint working group comprising representatives from the Gujarat government and Starlink will oversee implementation and coordination.

Boost to Industry, Highways and Coastal Security

Beyond social infrastructure, the MoU also covers enhanced connectivity for:

• GIDC industrial parks

• Highway safety and monitoring systems

• Maritime ports and coastal infrastructure

• Coastal police operations

These measures are expected to strengthen industrial productivity, logistics, maritime security, and highway safety through dependable digital networks.

MoU Ceremony in Gandhinagar

The MoU exchange ceremony was held in Gandhinagar under the guidance of Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel and Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghvi. Senior officials present included Industry Commissioner P. Swaroop, Starlink India Head Prabhakar Jayakumar, Chief Secretary M.K. Das, Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister Sanjeev Kumar, and other senior officials from the Science & Technology and Industry departments.

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Officials described the partnership as a milestone in Gujarat’s digital transformation, expressing confidence that it will ensure reliable digital services even in the state’s most remote corners.

Bridging the Digital Divide

Starlink Satellite Communications provides high-speed satellite internet globally, particularly in areas with limited or no connectivity. Through this collaboration, Gujarat aims to significantly narrow the digital divide, supporting smart governance, education, healthcare delivery, disaster management, and overall socio-economic development across the state.

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