NHAI flags issue of unavailability of mobile network on NH 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 address the issue of non-availability of the mobile network connectivity on several stretches of National Highways, particularly on greenfield and remote sections.

Emphasizing the public safety implications and the strategic significance of the National Highway network, NHAI has called for an expeditious and coordinated approach to improve mobile network connectivity and has urged Centre to issue appropriate directions to telecom service Providers (TSPs) for addressing the issue, the ministry of road transport and highways said in a statement on Tuesday.

NHAI has identified 424 locations covering about 1,750 km across the National Highway network, through a comprehensive assessment, as critically affected due to non-availability of the mobile network connectivity.


“Detailed information on these locations has been compiled and formally shared with the Department of Telecommunications and TRAI for necessary action,” it said.

In addition, NHAI has requested Trai to issue necessary directions to telecom operators for dissemination of 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 reach road users prior to their arrival at such locations, enabling timely caution and safer driving behavior,” it said.

The ministry is of the view that since these National Highway corridors traverse through remote and rural areas, absence of dependable mobile network coverage on these sections adversely impacts National Highway operations, emergency response mechanism and delivery of technology-enabled public services.

By seeking intervention to address mobile network connectivity gaps and enhancing safety along National Highways, NHAI said working in close coordination with all concerned stakeholders will ensure that the National Highway network is not only physically well-connected but is also digitally enabled.

“These efforts align with NHAI’s broader objective of delivering safe, efficient and user-centric National Highway infrastructure for citizens across the country,” it added.