NHAI seeks urgent action to improve mobile network connectivity on highways

New Delhi: The National Highways Authority of India sought urgent intervention from the Department of Telecommunications and the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India to address mobile network connectivity gaps on several National Highway stretches.

NHAI flagged the issue citing serious public safety concerns, especially on greenfield corridors and remote highway sections. It urged DoT and TRAI to issue appropriate directions to telecom service providers to ensure uninterrupted mobile network connectivity.

Officials said reliable mobile coverage was critical for emergency response, highway operations and delivery of technology-enabled public services. Therefore, NHAI called for a coordinated and time-bound approach to improve digital connectivity across National Highway corridors.

As part of a detailed assessment, NHAI identified 424 locations across the highway network as critically affected. These stretches together covered about 1,750 km where mobile network connectivity remained unavailable. NHAI shared detailed location-wise data with DoT and TRAI for further action.

The authority noted that many highways passed through remote and rural regions. In such areas, the absence of dependable mobile connectivity severely hampered accident response and operational efficiency.

Mobile network connectivity gaps linked to safety risks

In addition, NHAI requested TRAI to direct telecom operators to issue proactive SMS or flash SMS alerts at geo-mapped accident-prone locations. These alerts would warn road users in advance and promote safer driving behaviour.

NHAI said the alerts should cover stretches frequently affected by stray cattle movement and other identified hazards. A detailed list of such accident-prone locations was also shared with TRAI.

Officials said these measures would help reduce accidents and improve situational awareness for motorists. They added that timely alerts could play a crucial role in preventing mishaps on vulnerable highway stretches.

By seeking action on mobile network connectivity gaps, NHAI reiterated its commitment to developing highways that were both physically connected and digitally enabled. The authority said it would continue working closely with telecom regulators and service providers.

NHAI said these efforts aligned with its broader goal of delivering safe, efficient and user-centric National Highway infrastructure across the country.