In a step toward inclusive digital transformation, the Maharashtra government has signed a Letter of Intent (LOI) with Starlink Satellite Communications Private Limited. With this, Maharashtra becomes the first Indian state to formally collaborate with Starlink to deploy satellite-based internet services for government institutions, rural communities, and critical public infrastructure.

The agreement, subject to regulatory and compliance clearances from the Government of India, was signed on Wednesday by Lauren Dreyer, vice president, Starlink, and  Virendra Singh, secretary, Department of Information Technology, Maharashtra, in the presence of chief minister Devendra Fadnavis.

The agreement aims to connect remote schools, health centres, disaster response units, and coastal areas using Starlink’s low-Earth orbit satellite technology.

The collaboration will focus on delivering high-speed internet to tribal schools, primary health centres (PHCs), forest outposts, disaster control rooms, and aspirational districts such as Gadchiroli, Nandurbar, Dharashiv, and Washim.

Connectivity will also be enhanced along major infrastructure corridors, including the Samruddhi Mahamarg, ferries and coastal transport routes, ports, and coastal police networks. The initiative will further support telemedicine, online education, and emergency communication systems.

A joint working group has been formed to oversee a 90-day pilot rollout of the project, with specific milestones at 30, 60, and 90 days. Progress will be reviewed quarterly under the chairmanship of the chief minister.

Speaking at the signing ceremony, Fadnavis said the partnership marked a major milestone in the state’s mission to achieve inclusive digital growth.

“With Starlink joining hands with Maharashtra, we are bridging the last digital divide by connecting every village, every school, and every health centre, no matter how remote,” said Fadnavis adding, “This  partnership reflects our commitment to build a truly connected, future-ready Maharashtra. We are proud to be India’s first state to launch this collaboration and set the benchmark for Digital India at the grassroots.”

Lauren Dreyer said that the collaboration aligned with Starlink’s mission to connect communities excluded from traditional infrastructure.

“We are honored to collaborate with the Government of Maharashtra in this first-of-its-kind initiative,” Dreyer said. “Maharashtra’s vision for inclusive and resilient digital growth perfectly aligns with ours. Together, we aim to empower schools, healthcare facilities, and communities across the most remote corners of India.”

The partnership complements the state’s Digital Maharashtra mission and aligns with ongoing initiatives in electric mobility, coastal development, and disaster resilience.

During the pilot phase, the initiative will focus on:

*    Providing satellite internet to government and tribal schools, Aaple Sarkar centers, and PHCs
*    Strengthening disaster response communication and coastal surveillance
*    Enhancing education and healthcare delivery through high-speed connectivity
*    Launching training and capacity-building programs for government agencies and local communities

Following the pilot, the initiative will be scaled up across the state, positioning Maharashtra as a national leader in satellite-enabled digital infrastructure.

The signing ceremony was attended by Cultural affairs and IT minister, Ashish Shelar, senior secretaries including Vikas Kharge (Revenue), Vikas Chandra Rastogi (Agriculture), Govindraj (Urban Development), Eknath Dawle (Rural Development), Vinita Ved-Singhal (Relief and Rehabilitation), P. Anbalgan (Industries), and Kaustubh Dhavase, chief investment and policy advisor to the chief minister, were present at the signing ceremony

Starlink, a subsidiary of SpaceX, operates the world’s most advanced satellite constellation in low-Earth orbit, offering reliable and high-speed broadband internet capable of supporting streaming, gaming, video calls, and more.

Operated by SpaceX , the world’s leading provider of launch services and reusable rocket technology , Starlink, aims to provide affordable, high-speed connectivity to communities around the world that lack access to traditional infrastructure.