G.O.(D) No.35, Bringing BSNL under the Right of Way Policy, 2004
The Tamil Nadu Information Technology Department issued Government Order (D) Number 35 on 24 September 2004, bringing BSNL (Bharat Sanohar Nigam Limited, as printed in the document) under the Tamil Nadu Government's right of way policy for laying optic fibre cables. BSNL must obtain centralised state permission, pay annual track rent to local bodies and provide 2 Mbps of free bandwidth to the Tamil Nadu Government.
What the government order does
Government Order (D) Number 35, issued by the Tamil Nadu Information Technology Department on 24 September 2004, applies the Tamil Nadu Government's existing right of way policy to BSNL (Bharat Sanohar Nigam Limited, as printed in the document). The policy concerns permission to lay optic fibre cables along National Highways, State Highways and other roads in Tamil Nadu.
The government decided to treat BSNL on the same basis as other licensed private and public sector companies after BSNL was converted into a company.
Requirements imposed on BSNL
Government Order (D) Number 35 requires BSNL to:
- Obtain centralised permission from the Tamil Nadu Government for laying optic fibre cables throughout Tamil Nadu.
- Pay annual track rent to local bodies in Tamil Nadu.
- Provide 2 Mbps of free bandwidth to the Tamil Nadu Government.
The document does not specify the amount of annual track rent, the procedure for applying for centralised permission or the technical arrangements for providing the free bandwidth.
Earlier right of way framework
The document refers to Government Order Ms. Number 7 of the Information Technology Department, dated 12 February 2001. That earlier government order issued terms and conditions for private and public sector licensees using public rights of way to lay optic fibre cables along National Highways, State Highways and other roads in Tamil Nadu.
The document also refers to Government Order Ms. Number 29 of the Information Technology Department, dated 4 November 2003, which issued policy guidelines for maintenance and last mile connectivity work.
Who may be affected
Government Order (D) Number 35 directly affects BSNL, the Tamil Nadu Government and local bodies that receive annual track rent. It may also be relevant to authorities responsible for government roads where BSNL proposes to lay optic fibre cables.
The document does not create any stated payment, application or approval requirement for individual property buyers or owners. It also does not address private land ownership, patta, sale documents or building permissions.
Departmental concurrence
Government Order (D) Number 35 was issued with the concurrence of the Public Works, Highways, Municipal Administration and Water Supply, and Finance departments.
This summary is generated from the source document to help you find what is relevant. The PDF above is authoritative. For advice on your own property, use LandLens One or speak to a qualified professional.
Common questions
Can BSNL lay optic fibre cables in Tamil Nadu without state permission?
No. Government Order (D) Number 35 requires BSNL to obtain centralised permission from the Tamil Nadu Government for laying optic fibre cables throughout Tamil Nadu.
Who receives the annual track rent from BSNL?
BSNL must pay annual track rent to local bodies in Tamil Nadu. The document does not state the amount or payment procedure.
Does this government order impose any requirement on a private property buyer or owner?
The document does not state any payment, application or approval requirement for individual property buyers or owners. Its requirements are directed at BSNL in connection with laying optic fibre cables under the public right of way policy.
What must BSNL provide to the Tamil Nadu Government?
BSNL must provide 2 Mbps of free bandwidth to the Tamil Nadu Government.
