NEW DELHI: Lack of mobile network coverage on highway and expressway stretches is not only causing inconvenience to commuters but is also a concern for NHAI as cellular connectivity gaps affect emergency communication to responders – such as ambulance services and patrol vehicles – in case of an incident.Flagging this, NHAI has urged telecom regulator TRAI to direct operators to improve mobile network connectivity on these sections. The authority has identified 424 such “telecom black spots” covering around 1,750km and has shared this with TRAI.TOI has learnt that NHAI chairman Satosh Kumar Yadav, in a letter to TRAI chairman Anil Kumar Lahoti, pointed out that no mobile network is adversely impacting highway operations, coordination with field units and enforcement agencies.Officials said missing mobile network is more prevalent on greenfield highways and expressways, and remote sections, including stretches of Delhi-Mumbai and Bengaluru-Chennai expressways. For instance, data shared with TRAI mentions how three stretches of Delhi-Mumbai expressway passing through Ratlam (approx 69km) has no mobile network. Similarly, the entire 51km stretch between Harda and Betul in Madhya Pradesh has no network.The list of missing mobile networks include nearly 15km of Bengaluru-Chennai expressway, 17km of Tambaram-Tindivanam section in TN, 11.8km of Warangal-Khammam section in Andhra, 10.8km of Mumbai-Vadodara expressway in Thane.NHAI has also identified around 1,665 accident-prone locations due to stray cattle movement across NHs and expressways. Officials said it has also taken up this with TRAI and proposed proactive SMS and flash SMS alerts at geo-mapped accident-prone zones, including stretches affected by stray cattle movement and other hazards.”Alerts are intended to reach users approximately 15 minutes in advance as they approach such locations. NHAI has urged TRAI to issue directions to telecom operators to facilitate these alerts free of cost, purely in the interest of road user safety. This will save several lives,” said an official.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideos”Sport Should Be Kept Apart From Politics” Tharoor On Mustafizur RowProbe Reveals Red Fort Blast Module Used ‘Ghost’ SIM Cards For Encrypted ChatsMatter Of Deep Concern: MEA Reacts To US Strikes On Venezuela, Urges Restraint’Lunatic Rulers’: Shashi Tharoor, Singhvi, Owaisi, Other Indian Leaders On US Strikes In VenezuelaIndian Army Raises Bhairav Special Force With Over One Lakh Drone Operatives For Modern WarfareCM Revanth Reddy’s Remarks In Telangana Assembly Sparks Row, BRS Slams ‘Filthy Language’‘If Trump Can Capture Maduro, Why Can’t Modi Bring Back 26/11 Mastermind From Pakistan’: Owaisi‘Avoid All Non-Essential Travel To Venezuela’: India Issues Advisory For Citizens After US Strikes”No Control Over Minority Violence In Bangladesh…”: Former Indian Envoy Slams Yunus Govt“Infamous For His Tour With Anti-National Propaganda”: BJP Rips Rahul Gandhi Over Vietnam Visit123PhotostoriesPCOS beyond periods: How it affects mental health and metabolismMood fixes to outsmart the Monday blues before 9 AM20 minutes visceral fat-burning exercise routine to try at home4 everyday foods that help babies learn to chew naturally10 cheapest markets in Mumbai for street shoppingBeyond the Birkin: 5 times Aishwarya Rai Bachchan proved the ‘Mom Bag’ is the ultimate luxury flex8 common Japanese words and phrases worth learningNayanthara to Tara Sutaria: Decoding first looks of ‘Toxic’s female cast – Who understood the assignment best?Vaginal health: NHS doc debunks popular myths women still believe6 places where the world’s deadliest snakes are found123Hot PicksUS strikes VenezuelaVande Bharat Sleeper TrainPublic holidays January 2026Gold rate todayDelcy RodríguezVivek RamaswamyBank Holidays JanuaryTop TrendingSan Francisco 49ersBrittany MahomesNoah Lyles and Junelle Bromfield Net WorthWayne Gretzky Daughter Net WorthSidney Crosby LifestyleLeBron James vs Stephen Curry Net WorthTom BradyLeBron James WifeCam ThomasCharlie Kirk
NEW DELHI: Lack of mobile network coverage on highway and expressway stretches is not only causing inconvenience to commuters but is also a concern for NHAI as cellular connectivity gaps affect emergency communication to responders – such as ambulance services and patrol vehicles – in case of an incident.Flagging this, NHAI has urged telecom regulator TRAI to direct operators to improve mobile network connectivity on these sections. The authority has identified 424 such “telecom black spots” covering around 1,750km and has shared this with TRAI.TOI has learnt that NHAI chairman Satosh Kumar Yadav, in a letter to TRAI chairman Anil Kumar Lahoti, pointed out that no mobile network is adversely impacting highway operations, coordination with field units and enforcement agencies.Officials said missing mobile network is more prevalent on greenfield highways and expressways, and remote sections, including stretches of Delhi-Mumbai and Bengaluru-Chennai expressways. For instance, data shared with TRAI mentions how three stretches of Delhi-Mumbai expressway passing through Ratlam (approx 69km) has no mobile network. Similarly, the entire 51km stretch between Harda and Betul in Madhya Pradesh has no network.The list of missing mobile networks include nearly 15km of Bengaluru-Chennai expressway, 17km of Tambaram-Tindivanam section in TN, 11.8km of Warangal-Khammam section in Andhra, 10.8km of Mumbai-Vadodara expressway in Thane.NHAI has also identified around 1,665 accident-prone locations due to stray cattle movement across NHs and expressways. Officials said it has also taken up this with TRAI and proposed proactive SMS and flash SMS alerts at geo-mapped accident-prone zones, including stretches affected by stray cattle movement and other hazards.“Alerts are intended to reach users approximately 15 minutes in advance as they approach such locations. NHAI has urged TRAI to issue directions to telecom operators to facilitate these alerts free of cost, purely in the interest of road user safety. This will save several lives,” said an official.
