NHAI Seeks Urgent Action to Improve Mobile Network Connectivity on National Highways

Identifying critical mobile network connectivity issues across several stretches of National Highways, NHAI has sought the intervention of the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) and the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) to issue appropriate directions to Telecom Service Providers (TSPs) for addressing non-availability of the mobile network connectivity on several stretches of National Highways, particularly on greenfield and remote sections.

Issue Identified:
- Mobile network connectivity gaps across 424 locations covering about 1,750 km of National Highways.
- Most affected stretches are greenfield and remote sections.

Action Taken:
- NHAI has formally approached the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) and Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI).
- Requested directions to Telecom Service Providers (TSPs) to address connectivity issues.

Public Safety Focus:
- Poor coverage impacts emergency response, highway operations, and delivery of tech-enabled public services.
- NHAI emphasized the strategic importance of highways being digitally enabled, not just physically connected.

Innovative Safety Measures:
- Proposal for proactive SMS/Flash SMS alerts at geo-mapped accident-prone locations.
- Alerts to warn drivers of hazards like stray cattle movement and other risks before arrival.
- A list of such accident-prone stretches has already been shared with TRAI.

Broader Objective:
- Strengthen digital infrastructure alongside physical road networks.
- Aligns with NHAI’s vision of safe, efficient, and user-centric highways across India.

Big Picture
This move highlights how digital connectivity is now as critical as physical infrastructure. By integrating telecom services with highway safety, NHAI is pushing toward a future-ready transport ecosystem where roads are not only well-built but also smart and responsive.