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Airtel is in the process of deploying new scalable and adaptive optical network infrastructure. Encompassing over 100,000 nodes with extensive use of next-generation ROADMs, Airtel’s network will have the world’s largest photonic control plane designed specifically to handle the unique challenges of network operations in India. This paper explores the challenges and opportunities Airtel faced as it set out to redesign and expand its optical network footprint. It also touches on some of the new coherent optical technologies and architectures used in the new network design and the resulting benefits to Airtel and its customers.