A parliamentary panel has expressed strong dissatisfaction over the Space Department’s decision to discontinue a significant fibre project. The project, which was expected to play a vital role in strengthening India’s satellite communication and connectivity infrastructure, was shelved without sufficient justification.
According to sources, the fibre project aimed to improve high-speed data transmission for both civilian and defense applications. It was designed to support India’s growing digital ecosystem by ensuring better internet connectivity in remote areas through advanced satellite-based communication technology. However, despite its strategic significance, the Space Department has decided to halt progress, raising concerns among policymakers.
The parliamentary panel, which oversees space and technological advancements, has sought a detailed explanation for this decision. Officials have been asked to provide clarity on whether the project was abandoned due to budget constraints, technical difficulties, or shifting priorities within the department. Lawmakers emphasized that India’s space research should not face setbacks due to unexplained policy changes.
Experts believe that discontinuing such a crucial initiative could slow down India’s ambitions in space-based communication and networking technology. With increasing global competition in satellite connectivity, missing out on advanced fibre-based infrastructure could put India at a disadvantage.
The panel has recommended that the government re-evaluate the project's feasibility and consider reviving it with necessary modifications. Transparency in decision-making and clear communication about the project’s future are being demanded to avoid further concerns.
As India continues to expand its presence in the space sector, projects like these play a crucial role in maintaining technological leadership. The parliamentary panel’s intervention highlights the need for greater accountability and a long-term vision in space-related projects. The Space Department is now expected to provide further clarifications and possible alternatives for achieving the objectives of the shelved fibre project.
