Digital Infrastructure in India: Building the Foundation for a Viksit Bharat

A few years ago, I visited a remote village in Madhya Pradesh (MP) , my home state, where digital payments were unheard of. The local grocer, reliant on cash and handwritten ledgers, now proudly accepts UPI transactions via QR codes. This transformation is not isolated; it exemplifies India's digital revolution, empowering millions. The journey, however, is more than just technology—it is about people, aspirations, and how digital infrastructure is shaping the future of individuals and communities.

India’s Digital Leap

Digital transformation in India is no longer an aspiration but a reality. The digital economy contributed 11.74% of GDP in 2022-23, employing 14.67 million workers and exhibiting productivity levels five times higher than traditional sectors. By 2030, this contribution is projected to reach 20%, reinforcing its role in economic growth. However, beyond numbers, the true success lies in human impact.

I recall meeting Ramesh, a small business owner in Uttar Pradesh. He ran a tiny textile unit, struggling with payments and logistics. With the advent of digital banking, he was able to access working capital loans through a fintech platform without the red tape of traditional banks. Today, his business has tripled in size, and he employs 20 people. "Earlier, I used to worry about cash flow every day. Now, payments come in instantly, and I can plan ahead," he told me. His story is just one among millions who have benefited from India's digital infrastructure.

UPI: A Cashless Revolution

I recall an era when cash was indispensable. Today, UPI transactions are seamless. In December 2024, UPI processed transactions worth ₹23.24 lakh crore, up from ₹707.93 crore in 2016. With 641 banks on the platform and expanding adoption in seven countries, UPI is a testament to India’s digital prowess and financial inclusion.

One of the most remarkable stories I heard was from Meena, a vegetable vendor in Mumbai. She used to depend entirely on cash, often struggling to collect payments from customers who promised to pay later. With UPI, she now completes transactions instantly, improving her daily earnings and eliminating losses. "My son taught me how to use the QR code. Now, I don’t have to worry about bad debts," she says with pride.

Bridging the Urban-Rural Divide with Connectivity

A farmer in Maharashtra doubled his income by selling produce online, eliminating middlemen. India’s internet connections surged by 285.53% from 25.15 crore in 2014 to 96.96 crore in 2024, with broadband connections rising 1,452% to 94.92 crore. The rapid 5G rollout across 779 districts is further bridging rural-urban disparities, enhancing e-learning, e-commerce, and telemedicine.

During my recent visit to Jharkhand, I met Seema, a young girl who had to drop out of school due to a lack of resources. With affordable internet and e-learning platforms, she resumed her studies online. Today, she aspires to become an engineer. Her story symbolizes how digital infrastructure is not just about connectivity but about enabling dreams and providing equal opportunities.

Aadhaar: A Digital Identity for Every Citizen

Aadhaar has revolutionized welfare schemes, eliminating inefficiencies. With 136.65 crore Aadhaar cards issued and 1,470.22 crore e-KYC transactions, digital identity ensures direct, timely benefit transfers while preventing fraud. Its 100 crore+ face authentication transactions in 2023 highlight its scalability and security.

I remember speaking with a pensioner who, for years, struggled with delays in receiving his pension due to bureaucratic hurdles. Aadhaar-linked payments changed his life—his pension now arrives directly in his account without any middlemen. "Now, I don’t have to stand in long queues or bribe officials. My money reaches me on time," he shared with gratitude.

DigiLocker: A Step Toward Digital Empowerment

Imagine having essential documents—Aadhaar, driver’s license, academic certificates—securely stored online. DigiLocker, launched in 2015, has grown from 9.98 lakh users to 46.52 crore in 2024, simplifying document access and verification nationwide.

When Rajesh, a job seeker from Bihar, had to move to Delhi for an interview, he was anxious about carrying all his documents. Thanks to DigiLocker, he could present verified digital copies of his certificates, avoiding delays and paperwork hassles. "This saved me from missing out on an important job opportunity," he told me. For millions, DigiLocker is more than convenience—it is security, accessibility, and empowerment.

BHASHINI: Making Digital Access Inclusive

Language should never hinder digital inclusion. BHASHINI, launched in 2022, supports 22+ languages, ensuring seamless access to digital services. With 100 million+ inferences per month, it enables farmers, entrepreneurs, and students to navigate digital platforms in their native languages.

Sundari, a small business owner from Tamil Nadu, struggled to use e-commerce platforms in English. With BHASHINI-enabled services, she now runs her online store in Tamil, expanding her customer base without language barriers. "I never imagined selling my handmade products to customers across India. This has changed my business," she said excitedly.

Reverse Migration: A New Trend

With initiatives like BharatNet, which laid 6.92 lakh km of optical fiber cable and installed 1.04 lakh WiFi hotspots, rural India is becoming a hub for remote work. Young professionals are returning to their hometowns, leveraging digital infrastructure for sustainable livelihoods.

Take Arjun, a software engineer who moved back to his village in Madhya Pradesh from Bengaluru. "I work remotely, earn the same salary, and live a better quality of life near my family," he explained. Stories like his show how digital connectivity is decentralizing economic opportunities, reducing migration pressures on cities.

The Road Ahead: Strengthening Digital Infrastructure

India’s digital progress must prioritize:

• Inclusivity – Extending digital benefits to the last mile, ensuring rural penetration.
• Sustainability – Promoting energy-efficient green data centers.
• Innovation – Investing in AI, blockchain, and quantum computing.
• Cybersecurity – Strengthening data privacy and protection frameworks.

Conclusion

India’s digital infrastructure is a blueprint for progress, proving what’s possible when vision, policy, and innovation align. As we strive for a Viksit Bharat, this robust digital foundation will propel economic growth, inclusion, and global leadership. The question isn’t if India will lead the digital era—it’s how soon.

Dr. Ritesh Jain is a global thought leader in digital transformation and innovation, focused on building inclusive and sustainable ecosystems.