NHAI urges TRAI for better mobile network on NHs

State-owned NHAI on Tuesday said it has sought urgent intervention from the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) and the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (Trai) to address poor mobile network connectivity along National Highways.
In a statement, NHAI said a comprehensive assessment identified 424 locations covering around 1,750 km of the National Highway network as critically affected by the absence of mobile connectivity, particularly on greenfield corridors and remote stretches.
Citing public safety concerns and the strategic importance of highways, NHAI urged DoT and Trai to issue appropriate directions to telecom service providers to ensure reliable coverage across these vulnerable sections. Detailed information on the affected locations has been compiled and formally shared with both agencies for necessary action.
NHAI said National Highway corridors often pass through rural and remote areas, where lack of dependable mobile connectivity adversely impacts highway operations, emergency response mechanisms and the delivery of technology-enabled public services. Poor connectivity, it noted, also hampers timely communication during accidents, vehicle breakdowns and medical emergencies.
The authority further requested Trai to direct telecom operators to disseminate 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.
Such alerts, NHAI said, would reach road users before they enter dangerous stretches, enabling timely caution and promoting safer driving behaviour. A list of accident-prone locations, including highway sections impacted by stray cattle, has already been shared with Trai.
NHAI said improving digital connectivity is essential to complement ongoing physical infrastructure development on National Highways. By seeking coordinated intervention from DoT, Trai and telecom operators, the authority reiterated its commitment to enhancing road safety, strengthening emergency response systems and ensuring that the National Highway network is not only physically connected but also digitally enabled across the country.
The move follows repeated feedback from road users and field officials highlighting communication blackouts, especially during night travel, adverse weather conditions and emergency situations.