In a move aimed at strengthening India’s digital ecosystem, GAIL (India) Limited has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with RailTel Corporation of India Limited to collaborate on expanding digital infrastructure and communication networks across the country.

The partnership focuses on enhancing nationwide connectivity and supporting emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, advanced data networks, and digital services.

Collaboration Between Energy and Telecom Infrastructure

The agreement was signed by S. S. Agrawal, Executive Director (O&M-CO) at GAIL, and J. S. Marwah, Company Secretary and General Manager (Law) at RailTel. The signing ceremony was attended by senior officials from both organisations, including Rajeev Kumar Singhal, Director (Business Development) at GAIL, and Sanjai Kumar, Chairman and Managing Director of RailTel.

The collaboration aims to combine the infrastructure strengths of both companies to accelerate digital connectivity initiatives across India.

Integrating Energy Infrastructure with Digital Technologies

Deepak Gupta, Chairman and Managing Director of GAIL, said the partnership aligns with the company’s long-term vision of integrating energy infrastructure with digital technologies.

He highlighted that leveraging technologies such as artificial intelligence and advanced communication networks will help build a stronger infrastructure ecosystem and support India’s ongoing digital transformation.

Building a Strong Digital Backbone

RailTel CMD Sanjai Kumar emphasized that the collaboration will contribute significantly to strengthening India’s communication infrastructure.

RailTel operates one of the country’s largest neutral telecom infrastructure networks along railway routes. By combining RailTel’s connectivity network with GAIL’s infrastructure assets, the partnership aims to expand secure and reliable digital connectivity across urban and rural regions.

Key Objectives of the Partnership

Under the MoU, the two companies plan to work together on several strategic initiatives, including:

• Strengthening national communication infrastructure

• Enhancing resource utilisation between both organisations

• Expanding secure and reliable digital connectivity across India

• Supporting emerging technologies such as AI-driven networks and smart services

The partnership is expected to support India’s rapidly growing digital economy and improve access to advanced communication technologies.

Market Reaction

Despite the announcement, shares of GAIL (India) Limited saw a decline during trading on March 9, 2026. The stock dropped around 5.80% on the National Stock Exchange, reaching ₹146.68 compared to the previous close of ₹155.71.

The companies have not yet disclosed the financial details or implementation timeline of the collaboration. More information regarding project scope and potential joint initiatives is expected to be announced in the future.

About GAIL

GAIL (India) Limited is India’s largest state-owned natural gas company and a major player in the country’s energy sector. The company operates an extensive gas pipeline network and is engaged in gas transmission, LNG marketing, petrochemicals, and renewable energy initiatives.