INDIA BECOMES THE FOURTH NATION TO ACHIEVE AUTONOMOUS SATELLITE DOCKING CAPABILITY

OVER 81 PER CENT OF RURAL HOUSEHOLDS HAVE ACCESS TO CLEAN TAP WATER UNDER THE JAL JEEVAN MISSION

The concept of infrastructure is evolving beyond physical networks to encompass digital public infrastructure, clean energy systems, resilient water management and future ready technologies. The last 11 years have been marked not just by the accelerated expansion of traditional infrastructure, such as highways, railways, ports, and energy systems, but also by the expansion of future ready digital public infrastructure (DPI), data systems, and assets aligned with renewable energy, says the Economic Survey 2025-26 tabled in Parliament today by the Union Minister for Finance and Corporate Affairs, Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman.

FUTURE READY DIGITAL INFRASTRUCTURE:

Telecommunication:

India’s telecom sector has undergone a significant transformation, driven by reflecting the Government’s vision of a digitally empowered nation. Efforts are focused on creating a telecom ecosystem that is Samaveshit (ubiquitous connectivity fuelling inclusive growth), Viksit (developed India through a triad of perform, reform, and transform), Tvarit (accelerated development and swift resolutions), and Surakshit (safe and secure). 

As a result, India’s telecommunications sector expanded rapidly over the last decade with tele-density rising from 75.23 percent to 86.76 percent and narrowing digital access divide between rural and urban. Sharp declines in wireless data prices were associated with an exponential rise in the average monthly data consumption, highlighting the role of affordability in driving mass digital adoption. Tele-density reached 86.76 per cent, and 5G services are now available in 99.9 per cent of districts in the country, says the Economic Survey 2025-26.

Information Technology:

India’s IT infrastructure underpins the expansion of digital governance, economic activity and advanced technologies.  As per industry estimates, as of June 2025, India’s installed data centre capacity stood at around 1,280 MW, with about 130 privately operated data centres and 49 data centres run by government agencies at the central and state levels. Driven by rapid digitisation and the adoption of technologies such as cloud computing, artificial intelligence, IoT and 5G, data centre capacity is projected to expand further to around 4 GW by 2030 as per the Economic Survey 2025-26.

SOCIAL AND EMERGING SECTOR INFRASTRUCTURE

Rural Drinking Water and Sanitation:

India has attained a significant milestone under the Jal Jeevan Mission, with over 81 per cent of rural households have access to clean tap water under the Jal Jeevan Mission, as of October 2025.

Water Resources Management Sector:

The key initiatives in water resource management includes the Namami Gange Program, Modernization of Command Area Development (M-CADWM), C-Flood Platform, National Register of Specified Dams 2025, River Cities Alliance (RCA) – Action Plan 2025 and National Water Resource Censuses.

Tourism:

The Government of India has revamped the Swadesh Darshan scheme as Swadesh Darshan 2.0 (SD 2.0), aimed at developing sustainable and responsible tourism destinations. The National Mission on Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spiritual, Heritage Augmentation Drive (PRASHAD) has been launched as a Central Sector Scheme to support integrated development of selected pilgrimage and heritage sites.

Space Sector:

India currently operates 56 active space assets, including 20 communication satellites, eight navigation satellites, four scientific satellites, 21 earth observation satellites and three technology demonstration missions. With strengthened space infrastructure, the year 2025 witnessed a significant achievement of India’s space program with India becoming the fourth nation to achieve autonomous satellite docking (SpaDeX), alongside expanded indigenous missions and increased private-sector participation. Additionally, the GSLV-F15 with indigenous Cryogenic stage launched the NVS-02 satellite on 29 January 2025, marking the 100th lift-off from Sriharikota.

Tele-density reaches 86.76% and 5G now in 99.9% districts nationwide; DPI, water and space capabilities expanded. Telecommunication expansion raised tele-density to 86.76% and 5G is available in 99.9% of districts, while information technology capacity is growing to support cloud, AI, IoT and 5G. Rural water access under the Jal Jeevan Mission exceeds 81% of households, and water-resources programs and registers are being advanced. The space sector operates 56 active assets, has increased private-sector participation, and achieved autonomous satellite docking capability, underscoring a policy focus on digital public infrastructure, resilient water management and advanced space capabilities.