New Delhi, 06 January (H.S.): The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has urged the Department of Telecommunications and the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) to urgently address the persistent gaps in mobile network connectivity along national highways across the country.

NHAI stated that the lack of reliable mobile coverage, especially in greenfield and remote stretches, poses a significant challenge to public safety and highway operations.

According to the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, a comprehensive assessment by NHAI has identified 424 locations spanning approximately 1,750 kilometers of national highways where mobile network coverage is severely inadequate.

Detailed information about these locations has been shared with the Department of Telecommunications and TRAI for immediate action.NHAI emphasized that a large portion of the highway network passes through rural and remote areas. The absence of dependable mobile connectivity adversely impacts highway management, emergency response systems, and the delivery of technology-based public services.

The authority has appealed to TRAI to direct telecom companies to send SMS or flash alerts based on geo-mapping at accident-prone locations, including areas with frequent animal crossings. These alerts are intended to warn road users in advance and promote safer driving habits.

NHAI noted that these measures are part of its broader objective to strengthen national highways not only physically but also digitally, ensuring improved safety and connectivity for all users.

Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar