New Delhi: GAIL (India) Limited has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with RailTel Corporation of India Limited to collaborate on the development of digital infrastructure and communication networks across India. The partnership aims to strengthen the country’s digital connectivity and support the expansion of advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence and data-driven services.
The agreement was signed by S. S. Agrawal, Executive Director (O&M-CO) at GAIL, and J. S. Marwah, Company Secretary & General Manager (Law) at RailTel. The ceremony was attended by senior officials from both organisations, including Rajeev Kumar Singhal, Director (Business Development) at GAIL, and Sanjai Kumar, Chairman and Managing Director of RailTel.
Focus on Energy and Digital Integration
Commenting on the collaboration, Deepak Gupta, Chairman and Managing Director of GAIL, said the partnership aligns with the company’s long-term vision of integrating energy infrastructure with digital technologies.
According to Gupta, the collaboration will leverage emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence to strengthen India’s infrastructure ecosystem and support the country’s development journey.
By combining their respective infrastructure assets and technical expertise, both companies aim to accelerate digital connectivity initiatives across the country.
Read also: GAIL Approves 178.2 MW Wind Power Project in Maharashtra to Boost Renewable Energy Capacity
Strengthening India’s Digital Backbone
RailTel CMD Sanjai Kumar said the collaboration would play a key role in strengthening India’s communication infrastructure.
He noted that RailTel remains committed to building a secure and reliable digital backbone, and the partnership with GAIL would allow both organisations to utilise their strengths in network infrastructure and technological capabilities to expand high-quality digital connectivity nationwide.
Strategic Goals of the Partnership
The MoU outlines several key objectives aimed at supporting India’s rapidly expanding digital ecosystem. These include:
- Strengthening national communication infrastructure
- Improving resource utilisation between both companies
- Expanding secure and reliable digital connectivity
- Supporting future technologies such as AI, data networks, and smart services
RailTel, a public sector undertaking under the Ministry of Railways, operates one of the country’s largest neutral telecom infrastructure networks across railway land, which can play a crucial role in nationwide connectivity expansion.
Market Reaction
Despite the announcement, shares of GAIL (India) Limited declined during trading on March 9, 2026. The stock fell 5.80% on the National Stock Exchange of India to ₹146.68 at 13:11 IST, compared to the previous close of ₹155.71.
The stock opened at ₹152.00 and touched an intraday low of ₹146.41.
The companies have not yet disclosed the financial scope of the collaboration or a detailed project timeline. Further information on potential joint ventures or capital commitments is expected to be announced later.
About GAIL (India) Limited
GAIL (India) Limited is India’s largest state-owned natural gas company and a leading player in the country’s energy sector. The company operates an extensive natural gas pipeline network and is involved in gas transmission, petrochemicals, LNG marketing, and renewable energy initiatives.
About RailTel Corporation of India Limited
RailTel Corporation of India Limited is a public sector enterprise under the Ministry of Railways and one of India’s largest neutral telecom infrastructure providers. The company operates a nationwide optical fibre network along railway tracks and offers broadband, data centre, and digital services to government institutions, enterprises, and citizens.
Read also: GAIL Appoints Deepak Asija as Company Secretary and Compliance Officer Effective March 6, 2026
