Bhubaneswar Wi-Fi Project Worth Over ₹100 Crore to Cover Universities, Colleges, and Parks

 

The Odisha government has announced an ambitious Wi-Fi connectivity project in Bhubaneswar worth over ₹100 crore, aiming to transform the capital city into a modern digital hub. Under this initiative, universities, colleges, and public parks across Bhubaneswar will be equipped with free high-speed internet access. The project is part of the state’s broader vision to promote Digital Odisha, ensuring that students, professionals, and citizens have seamless online access for education, work, and leisure. Bhubaneswar, already known as a Smart City, is set to take another step toward becoming a digitally empowered urban center. Authorities believe the project will not only enhance the city’s IT infrastructure but also create new opportunities for learning, research, and innovation.

 Why Bhubaneswar Needs Public Wi-Fi 

Bhubaneswar, often called the Temple City of India, has been steadily growing as an educational and IT hub. With prestigious institutions like Utkal University, KIIT, SOA University, and IIT Bhubaneswar, the city is home to thousands of students who depend on the internet for their academics and research.

Currently, internet access is often limited to mobile data or private connections, which are not always affordable or reliable for students and the general public. By rolling out free public Wi-Fi, the government aims to bridge the digital divide, ensuring equitable access to online resources.

This project also complements the Smart City Mission, which focuses on improving urban infrastructure, sustainability, and technology-driven governance. With the rise of remote education, freelancing, and digital startups, reliable public internet is no longer a luxury but a necessity.

The introduction of Wi-Fi hotspots in parks, campuses, and public spaces is expected to encourage digital learning, e-governance services, entrepreneurship, and social inclusion.

Key Features of the Wi-Fi Project 

The Bhubaneswar Wi-Fi project comes with several highlights:

• Budget Allocation: Over ₹100 crore has been sanctioned for the project, covering infrastructure, maintenance, and long-term expansion.
  
  

• Universities & Colleges: Campuses across the city, including Utkal University, Ravenshaw College (nearby Cuttack), KIIT, and SOA, will be equipped with Wi-Fi zones to benefit students and faculty.
  
  

• Public Parks: Popular parks such as Indira Gandhi Park, Ekamra Kanan, and Forest Park will have free Wi-Fi hotspots, encouraging citizens to enjoy digital connectivity in green spaces.
  
  

• High-Speed Internet: Each hotspot will provide 30-50 Mbps speed per user, with advanced routers capable of supporting large crowds.
  
  

• Smart Security: The project will integrate with CCTV-based smart surveillance to ensure safety in public Wi-Fi zones.
  
  

• Digital ID Login: Users will be able to access Wi-Fi through OTP verification linked to their mobile number or Aadhaar, ensuring secure usage.
  
  

• Maintenance Model: A public-private partnership (PPP) model will be adopted, where telecom providers collaborate with the state IT department for smooth operations.
  
  

This infrastructure investment is designed not only for connectivity but also to support smart governance, digital education, and tech-driven startups in the city.

Impact on Education and Students 

One of the biggest beneficiaries of this initiative will be students. With thousands of young learners enrolled in universities and colleges, free Wi-Fi access will significantly improve academic opportunities. Students can access online lectures, research papers, e-books, and digital libraries without worrying about expensive data packs.

For institutions like IIT Bhubaneswar and KIIT University, which host international conferences and research collaborations, reliable Wi-Fi in and around campuses will strengthen academic partnerships. Similarly, smaller colleges and coaching centers will also gain access to digital learning resources, bridging the gap between elite and regular institutions.

The project also encourages the adoption of online courses, skill-development programs, and e-learning platforms such as SWAYAM, Coursera, and Khan Academy. By integrating free internet with educational infrastructure, Odisha aims to empower students to compete on a global scale.

Additionally, Wi-Fi-enabled parks provide a new dimension to learning, where students can gather for group discussions, webinars, and workshops in open spaces. This could make Bhubaneswar a role model for other cities aiming to create knowledge-based economies.

Boost for Startups, Professionals, and Citizens 

Beyond education, the Bhubaneswar Wi-Fi project will have a broader impact on society. The city has been nurturing a growing community of startups, IT professionals, and freelancers. Free public Wi-Fi reduces operational costs for small businesses and enables professionals to work flexibly from public spaces.

Freelancers working in digital marketing, graphic design, and software development will find it easier to operate from co-working zones set up in parks and libraries. Startups can also organize events, hackathons, and brainstorming sessions in Wi-Fi-enabled areas, fostering innovation.

Citizens, especially in residential areas near these hotspots, will have improved access to e-governance services, online banking, telemedicine, and e-commerce platforms. Senior citizens can use public internet for health consultations, while small vendors can adopt digital payment systems seamlessly.

Moreover, tourists visiting Bhubaneswar will benefit from free internet in popular locations, enhancing the city’s image as a modern smart city. This digital ecosystem is expected to boost Bhubaneswar’s ranking among India’s most technology-friendly cities.

Challenges and Future Roadmap 

While the Wi-Fi project is a milestone, challenges remain. Maintaining high-speed connectivity in crowded areas can be difficult, especially when thousands of users access the same hotspot simultaneously. Ensuring data security and privacy is another concern, as public Wi-Fi is often vulnerable to cyberattacks.

To address these issues, the government is implementing firewall systems, encrypted logins, and real-time monitoring. Regular maintenance of routers and high-capacity bandwidth upgrades will also be necessary.

Looking ahead, the state plans to expand Wi-Fi coverage to bus terminals, railway stations, hospitals, and rural towns near Bhubaneswar. The long-term goal is to create a digital corridor across Odisha, enabling every citizen to access the internet at affordable or zero cost.

Integration with 5G services, digital payment platforms, and e-learning hubs is also on the roadmap. If implemented effectively, the Bhubaneswar Wi-Fi project can become a model for other state capitals in India, showcasing how technology can transform urban living.

Conclusion 

The ₹100 crore Bhubaneswar Wi-Fi project is more than just a technology upgrade—it’s a step toward building a digitally inclusive society. By covering universities, colleges, and public parks, the initiative empowers students, professionals, and citizens with equal access to knowledge and opportunities. While challenges such as data security and maintenance exist, the long-term benefits of creating a connected city outweigh the risks.

Bhubaneswar, already recognized as a Smart City, is now positioning itself as a Digital Knowledge Hub of Eastern India. With continued government support and citizen participation, the project has the potential to reshape education, entrepreneurship, and governance in the state.

FAQs 

1. What is the budget for the Bhubaneswar Wi-Fi project?
Over ₹100 crore has been allocated.

2. Which areas will be covered under the project?
Universities, colleges, and major public parks in Bhubaneswar.

3. How fast will the internet speed be?
30–50 Mbps per user at each hotspot.

4. Who will maintain the Wi-Fi system?
A public-private partnership between telecom providers and the Odisha IT department.

5. How will students benefit?
They’ll have free access to online courses, research material, and digital resources.