NHAI seeks urgent action to improve mobile network connectivity in National Highways.
Photo Credit: Social Media
New Delhi, January 6, 2025: Identifying critical mobile network connectivity gaps along several stretches of National Highways, the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has sought the intervention of the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) and the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI).
NHAI has urged them to issue appropriate directions to Telecom Service Providers (TSPs) to address the persistent non-availability of mobile network services, particularly on Greenfield and remote highway sections.
Emphasizing the serious public safety implications and the strategic importance of the National Highway network, NHAI has called for an urgent and coordinated effort to improve mobile connectivity across highway corridors nationwide.
NHAI identified 424 locations having a poor telecom network:
As part of a comprehensive assessment, the National Highway Authority of India has identified 424 critical locations covering approximately 1,750 km of the National Highway network that are severely affected by poor or non-existent mobile connectivity.
Detailed information regarding these locations has been compiled and formally shared with the DoT and TRAI for necessary action.
Since many National Highway corridors pass through remote and rural areas, the absence of reliable mobile connectivity on these stretches adversely affects highway operations, emergency response mechanisms, and the delivery of technology-enabled public services.
NHAI urged TRAI to take action:
Additionally, the National Highway Authority of India has requested TRAI to issue directions to telecom operators for the dissemination of proactive SMS or Flash SMS alerts at geo-mapped accident-prone locations.
These include stretches affected by stray cattle movement and other identified hazards.
The alerts are intended to reach road users in advance, enable timely caution and promote safer driving behavior.
A list of accident-prone stretches frequently impacted by stray cattle has also been shared with TRAI.
By seeking targeted intervention to address mobile connectivity gaps and enhance road safety, NHAI has reaffirmed its commitment to close coordination with all stakeholders to ensure that the National Highway network is not only physically well-connected but also digitally enabled.
These initiatives align with NHAI’s broader objective of delivering safe, efficient, and user-centric highway infrastructure across the country.
EOM.