NHAI urges authorities to direct telecom operators to ensure mobile connectivity on National Highways

New Delhi, Jan 6: Identifying serious gaps in mobile network connectivity along several National Highway stretches, 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) to direct telecom service providers to address the issue, particularly on greenfield and remote sections. Highlighting the public safety risks and the strategic importance of the National Highway network, NHAI has called for swift and coordinated action to improve mobile connectivity across highway corridors nationwide.

A comprehensive assessment by NHAI has identified 424 critical locations spanning nearly 1,750 km where mobile network coverage is either weak or unavailable. Detailed information on these stretches has been formally shared with DoT and TRAI for necessary follow-up.

NHAI noted that many National Highway corridors pass through remote and rural areas, where lack of reliable mobile connectivity hampers highway operations, emergency response systems and the delivery of technology-driven public services. In addition, NHAI has urged TRAI to direct telecom operators to disseminate proactive SMS or Flash SMS alerts at geo-mapped accident-prone locations, including stretches affected by stray cattle movement and other identified hazards. These alerts are intended to warn motorists in advance, enabling safer driving behaviour. A list of accident-prone stretches frequently impacted by stray cattle has also been shared with TRAI.