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NHAI Urges Telecom Regulators to Fix Mobile Dead Zones on Highways

The National Highways Authority of India has formally requested intervention from the Department of Telecommunications and TRAI to address critical mobile network gaps across the highway network. An assessment identified 424 specific locations covering about 1,750 km where connectivity is unavailable, impacting safety and operational efficiency. The NHAI has asked TRAI to direct telecom operators to implement safety measures like geo-targeted SMS alerts at accident-prone and hazard zones. This initiative is part of a broader goal to ensure India's national highways are both physically and digitally connected for user safety.

Key Points: NHAI Seeks DoT, TRAI Help to Fix Highway Mobile Gaps

  • 424 connectivity blackspots identified
  • Covers 1,750 km of highways
  • Impacts emergency response and safety
  • NHAI requests SMS alerts for accident zones
  • Aims for digitally enabled highway infrastructure
2 min read

NHAI urges DoT and TRAI to address mobile connectivity gaps on National Highways

NHAI identifies 424 mobile network blackspots on 1,750 km of highways, urging telecom regulators to ensure safety and digital connectivity.

"expeditious and coordinated approach is required - NHAI"

New Delhi, January 6

The National Highways Authority of India has sought the intervention of the Department of Telecommunications and the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India to address critical mobile network connectivity gaps across the National Highway network.

According to a press release from the Ministry of Road Transport & Highways, the authority identified several stretches, particularly in greenfield and remote sections, where the absence of a mobile network impacts safety and operational efficiency.

A comprehensive assessment conducted by the NHAI identified 424 specific locations covering approximately 1,750 km where mobile connectivity remains unavailable. The authority formally shared the detailed data of these locations with the DoT and TRAI to facilitate necessary directions to Telecom Service Providers (TSPs). The NHAI emphasized that an "expeditious and coordinated approach" is required to resolve these issues across the country's highway corridors.

The lack of dependable mobile coverage in remote and rural areas directly affects the "emergency response mechanism and delivery of technology-enabled public services." Because National Highways serve as strategic infrastructure, the authority noted that digital connectivity is essential for managing highway operations. The move aims to ensure that the network remains "not only physically well-connected but is also digitally enabled."

Beyond infrastructure improvements, the NHAI requested TRAI to direct telecom operators to implement proactive safety measures. This includes the dissemination of "SMS or Flash SMS alerts at geo-mapped accident-prone locations," as well as stretches identified for hazards such as stray cattle movement. The objective of these alerts is to inform road users before they reach high-risk areas, thereby "enabling timely caution and safer driving behavior."

The NHAI shared a specific list of accident-prone stretches frequently impacted by stray cattle with TRAI to support this initiative. These measures align with the authority's broader goal of delivering "safe, efficient and user-centric National Highway infrastructure."

"These efforts align with NHAI's broader objective of delivering safe, efficient and user-centric National Highway infrastructure for citizens across the country," the release noted.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
Finally! Digital India should mean connectivity everywhere, especially on our lifeline highways. The SMS alert idea for accident zones and stray cattle is brilliant. Could save so many lives. Hope TRAI and the telcos act fast now.
R
Rohit P
Good initiative, but I hope this doesn't become another case of inter-departmental blame game. NHAI identifies the problem, DoT says funds are low, TRAI says it's the operator's fault. Need a strict deadline and accountability.
S
Sarah B
As someone who travels frequently for work, this is a major safety concern. The stretches in Rajasthan and parts of MP have zero bars. How can we rely on apps for navigation or emergency services? Infrastructure must include digital connectivity.
V
Vikram M
The focus on accident-prone areas and stray cattle alerts is very practical. So many night accidents happen because of this. A simple flash SMS saying "Caution: Stray cattle next 2 km" would make a huge difference. Jai Hind!
K
Karthik V
While the intent is good, I'm skeptical. My village got 4G announced three years ago, the tower is still not up. Hope the highways, being strategic, get priority. Also, will this cost be passed on to consumers in the form of higher tariffs?

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