The Union government has commissioned a demonstration network that uses White Rabbit precision timing technology to distribute a secure and tamper-resistant Indian Standard Time (IST) signal.
The initiative is part of India’s efforts to reduce dependence on foreign timing systems and strengthen critical digital infrastructure across the country.
The network was launched by Union Minister for Consumer Affairs Pralhad Joshi at the Regional Reference Standard Laboratory in Bengaluru.
The project has been jointly developed by the Department of Consumer Affairs, CSIR-National Physical Laboratory (CSIR-NPL) and the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO).
Secure Time Signal for Critical Infrastructure
The newly launched system distributes Indian Standard Time, which is linked to UTC (NPLI), India’s official national time-keeping authority.
It uses Precision Time Protocol (PTP)-based White Rabbit technology, which provides highly accurate time synchronisation while ensuring the signal remains secure and resistant to tampering.
According to the ministry, precise time synchronisation is essential for several sectors that rely on accurate timestamps for their operations.
These include:
- Banking and financial services
- Telecommunications
- Power grids
- Transportation networks
- Digital governance systems
The government believes the new system will improve reliability and operational efficiency across these industries.
Successful Time Transmission Test Completed
As part of the project, the Department of Consumer Affairs worked with CSIR-NPL, ISRO, the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI), the National Stock Exchange (NSE) and BSNL.
Together, they completed a successful verification test of secure time transmission between the Regional Reference Standard Laboratory in Bengaluru and the National Stock Exchange’s Chennai facility.
The successful trial demonstrated the network’s ability to securely deliver highly accurate time signals over long distances.
Part of the ‘One Nation, One Time’ Initiative
The project forms part of the government’s broader One Nation, One Time initiative.
Earlier this week, Pralhad Joshi visited ISRO’s Bengaluru headquarters to review the progress of the Indian Standard Time Dissemination Project.
He said that a trusted and indigenous national time source has become a critical requirement as India expands its digital infrastructure.
According to the minister, a secure national timing system will strengthen the following:
- Consumer protection
- Fair trade practices
- Cybersecurity
- Financial market operations
- Telecom networks
- Power distribution systems
He added that accurate and secure time synchronisation plays an important role in ensuring smooth digital services across the country.
Boost to India’s Technological Self-Reliance
Pralhad Joshi said the initiative reflects the government’s focus on technological self-reliance under the Viksit Bharat vision.
By developing its own precision timing network, India aims to reduce its reliance on foreign timing sources while building stronger digital infrastructure for the future.
The government also believes the project will place India among the leading countries in precision time dissemination technology.
Initiative to Support Digital Transformation
Nidhi Khare, Secretary of the Department of Consumer Affairs, said the new timing network, along with ongoing reforms in legal metrology, will improve consumer confidence and make business operations more efficient.
She added that the initiative will support India’s broader digital transformation by providing a reliable and secure national time infrastructure for critical services.