Government Takes Measures to Prevent Damage to Underground Utilities During Telecom Cable Laying

**Executive Summary** The Government of India has implemented measures to prevent damage to underground utilities during telecom cable laying. These include the Telecommunication (Right of Way) Rules, 2024 and the Call Before u Dig (CBuD) mobile app, aimed at improving coordination and safeguarding infrastructure. The notification for the Punjab government mandating the use of the CBuD app is effective from February 7, 2025. **Key Points / Main Content** * **Telecommunication (Right of Way) Rules, 2024 (RoW Rules):** * These rules, established under the Telecommunications Act, 2023, empower public entities to define terms and conditions for right-of-way permissions. * They provide safeguards for telecommunication infrastructure deployment. * **Call Before u Dig (CBuD) Mobile App:** * The CBuD app facilitates coordination between excavation agencies and underground utility asset owners before excavation. * Its purpose is to prevent accidental damage to underground utility infrastructure, including optical fibre cables, water pipes, electric cables, and gas pipelines. * All States and Union Territories (UTs) have been requested to mandate the use of the CBuD app by relevant departments and agencies. * The Government of Punjab has issued a notification on February 7, 2025, mandating its use by all state departments. * States/UTs and Central Government infrastructure-related Ministries are also requested to map their underground utility assets on the Prime Minister GatiShakti National Master Plan (PM GatiShakti) platform to enhance the CBuD app's effectiveness. * **Compensation for Damages:** * The Act and RoW Rules outline procedures for claiming compensation in case of damage to telecommunications networks. * State and UT governments have been advised to issue government orders similar to the RoW Rules. * These orders are to establish procedures for claiming compensation for damage to underground utilities of departments and agencies within the state caused by excavation by any agency or contractor. **Impact Analysis** **Excavation Agencies and Contractors** * **Impact:** These entities must now adhere to new rules and procedures, including mandatory use of the CBuD app, to prevent accidental damage to underground utilities. Failure to do so may result in compensation claims. * **Action Required:** Utilize the Call Before u Dig (CBuD) mobile app before commencing any excavation. Comply with the terms and conditions set by public entities for right-of-way permissions. Follow the established compensation procedures if damage occurs. **Government Departments and Agencies (including Public Works Departments, Urban Local Bodies, Water, Gas, and Electricity Utilities)** * **Impact:** These entities are mandated to use the CBuD app and are responsible for mapping their underground utility assets on the PM GatiShakti platform. They are also to establish procedures for claiming compensation for damages to their assets. * **Action Required:** Mandate the use of the CBuD mobile app. Ensure underground utility assets are mapped on the PM GatiShakti platform. Issue government orders to establish procedures for claiming compensation for damage to underground utilities. **Telecom Operators** * **Impact:** They benefit from improved coordination and reduced risk of damage to their infrastructure. They also have recourse for compensation if their telecommunications network is damaged. * **Action Required:** Continue to utilize the CBuD platform. Report unreported excavations if necessary. Follow procedures for claiming compensation if their infrastructure is damaged. **Public Entities Granting Right of Way** * **Impact:** They can specify terms and conditions and provide safeguards for telecommunication infrastructure deployment through the RoW Rules. * **Action Required:** Specify terms and conditions for right-of-way permissions as per the Telecommunication (Right of Way) Rules, 2024.

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