**Executive Summary**
The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has requested the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) and the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) to address mobile network connectivity issues on National Highways, particularly in remote areas. NHAI has identified 424 locations covering approximately 1,750 km where connectivity is critically affected. These efforts are aimed at improving public safety, emergency response, and the delivery of technology-enabled public services.
**Key Points / Main Content**
* **Connectivity Issues:**
* NHAI identifies critical mobile network connectivity issues on National Highways.
* 424 locations across 1,750 km are identified as critically affected.
* These locations affect NH operations, emergency response, and technology-enabled public services.
* **Request to DoT and TRAI:**
* NHAI seeks DoT and TRAI intervention to direct Telecom Service Providers (TSPs) to improve mobile network connectivity.
* NHAI requests TRAI to direct telecom operators to disseminate proactive SMS alerts at geo-mapped accident-prone locations (including areas with stray cattle).
* **Overall Goal:**
* NHAI aims to enhance safety and digital enablement along National Highways.
* These efforts align with NHAI's broader objective of delivering safe, efficient, and user-centric National Highway infrastructure.
**Impact Analysis**
**Telecom Service Providers (TSPs)**
* **Impact:** TSPs are required to address non-availability of mobile network connectivity on several stretches of National Highways, particularly on greenfield and remote sections.
* **Action Required:** TSPs need to issue directions to improve mobile network connectivity at identified locations and disseminate proactive SMS alerts at geo-mapped accident-prone locations.
**Department of Telecommunications (DoT) and Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI)**
* **Impact:** They must intervene and issue appropriate directions to Telecom Service Providers (TSPs).
* **Action Required:** They need to act on the compiled and shared information by NHAI.
**Road Users**
* **Impact:** Improved safety and more efficient services with enhanced digital infrastructure.
* **Action Required:** Be aware of the potential mobile network connectivity gaps and be observant of received SMS alerts when approaching accident-prone areas.
Key Entities Referenced
National Highways: The physical infrastructure that is the subject of the policy to improve mobile network connectivity.
NHAI: National Highways Authority of India, the primary implementing agency responsible for improving mobile network connectivity on National Highways.
TRAI: Telecom Regulatory Authority of India, requested by NHAI to issue directions to Telecom Service Providers (TSPs) for improving mobile network connectivity.
Department of Telecommunications (DoT): Government department whose intervention has been sought to improve mobile network connectivity.
Ministry of Road Transport & Highways
NHAI Seeks Urgent Action to Improve Mobile
Network Connectivity on National Highways
प्रव तथ: 06 JAN 2026 2:19PM by PIB Delhi
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. 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 on the National Highway corridors across
the country.
As part of a comprehensive assessment undertaken by NHAI, 424 locations covering about 1,750 km
across the National Highway network have been identified 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.
As the National Highway corridors traverses 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.
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. A list
of accident-prone stretches frequently impacted by stray cattle has also been shared with TRAI.
By seeking intervention to address mobile network connectivity gaps and enhancing safety along National
Highways, NHAI reaffirms its commitment to working in close coordination with all concerned
stakeholders to ensure that 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.
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GDH/SJ
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