NHAI Flags Mobile Network Gaps on Highways, Seeks Urgent Action

07 Jan 2026 CW Team

Highlighting the public safety and strategic importance of the National Highway network, NHAI has called for coordinated and time-bound directions to Telecom Service Providers to ensure reliable mobile connectivity along highway corridors. The authority noted that the absence of network coverage poses serious challenges to highway operations, emergency response systems and the delivery of technology-enabled public services.

As part of a comprehensive assessment, NHAI has identified 424 critical locations across the National Highway network that are severely affected by the non-availability of mobile connectivity. These locations together span around 1,750 km of highways. Detailed information on the affected stretches has been compiled and formally shared with DoT and TRAI for necessary action.

Given that several National Highway corridors pass through remote and rural regions, NHAI said dependable mobile coverage is essential for effective traffic management, quick emergency assistance and the functioning of digital highway services. Connectivity gaps, the authority noted, significantly undermine these objectives.

In addition, NHAI has requested TRAI to issue directions to telecom operators for the dissemination of proactive SMS or Flash SMS alerts at geo-mapped accident-prone locations. These include stretches frequently affected by stray cattle movement and other identified hazards. The alerts are intended to warn road users in advance, enabling safer driving behaviour and timely precautions. A list of accident-prone stretches impacted by stray cattle has also been shared with the regulator.

By seeking urgent action to bridge connectivity gaps and enhance safety measures, NHAI reiterated its commitment to working closely with all stakeholders to ensure that the National Highway network is not only physically well-connected but also digitally enabled, in line with its goal of providing safe, efficient and user-centric highway infrastructure nationwide.

The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has sought urgent intervention from the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) and the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) to address persistent mobile network connectivity issues across several stretches of National Highways, particularly in greenfield and remote areas.Highlighting the public safety and strategic importance of the National Highway network, NHAI has called for coordinated and time-bound directions to Telecom Service Providers to ensure reliable mobile connectivity along highway corridors. The authority noted that the absence of network coverage poses serious challenges to highway operations, emergency response systems and the delivery of technology-enabled public services.As part of a comprehensive assessment, NHAI has identified 424 critical locations across the National Highway network that are severely affected by the non-availability of mobile connectivity. These locations together span around 1,750 km of highways. Detailed information on the affected stretches has been compiled and formally shared with DoT and TRAI for necessary action.Given that several National Highway corridors pass through remote and rural regions, NHAI said dependable mobile coverage is essential for effective traffic management, quick emergency assistance and the functioning of digital highway services. Connectivity gaps, the authority noted, significantly undermine these objectives.In addition, NHAI has requested TRAI to issue directions to telecom operators for the dissemination of proactive SMS or Flash SMS alerts at geo-mapped accident-prone locations. These include stretches frequently affected by stray cattle movement and other identified hazards. The alerts are intended to warn road users in advance, enabling safer driving behaviour and timely precautions. A list of accident-prone stretches impacted by stray cattle has also been shared with the regulator.By seeking urgent action to bridge connectivity gaps and enhance safety measures, NHAI reiterated its commitment to working closely with all stakeholders to ensure that the National Highway network is not only physically well-connected but also digitally enabled, in line with its goal of providing safe, efficient and user-centric highway infrastructure nationwide.

Infrastructure Urban

06 Apr 2026

CFI Appoints New National Council for FY27 and FY28

The Construction Federation of India (CFI) has announced its newly elected National Council and office bearers for a two-year term covering FY27 and FY28. M. V. Satish, Advisor to CMD and Lead Ambassador for Middle East, L&T, has been elected President; Priti Patel, Chief Strategy & Growth Officer, Tata Projects, has been appointed Vice President; and Ajit Bhate, Managing Director, Precast India Infrastructures, has taken charge as Treasurer.The newly formed National Council brings together senior leaders from major EPC and infrastructure companies, reflecting CFI’s continued focus o..

Infrastructure Urban

06 Apr 2026

India REIT Market Gains Momentum with Strong Returns

India’s Real Estate Investment Trust (REIT) market is witnessing strong growth, emerging as a competitive investment avenue both domestically and across Asia. According to a recent ANAROCK report released at EXCELERATE 2026 by NAREDCO Maharashtra NextGen, the sector is evolving into a mature asset class driven by solid fundamentals, regulatory backing and rising investor confidence.The introduction of Small and Medium REITs (SM REITs) in 2025 has further widened access through fractional ownership, unlocking a potential monetisation opportunity of Rs 670–710 billion. Indian REITs have deli..

Infrastructure Energy

06 Apr 2026

G R Infraprojects Secures Rs 4,130 Million BESS Contract From NTPC

G R Infraprojects said it has secured a contract from NTPC to supply and implement a battery energy storage system (BESS) valued at Rs 4,130 million (mn). The company reported the order was awarded as part of NTPC's ongoing efforts to enhance grid flexibility and energy storage capacity. The contract represents a notable addition to the firm's project pipeline and underscores demand for utility scale storage solutions. The award is expected to strengthen G R Infraprojects' presence in the energy infrastructure sector and to contribute to the firm's order book and future revenues, subject to st..