Telecom network to boost services on national highways: Minister

New Delhi: Union minister of state for road transport and highways and civil aviation VK Singh on Wednesday said that the telecommunication network is being used in a big way along the national highways to provide better services.

Highlighting the achievements of the telecommunications department and their impact on all other ministries and departments, he said MoRTH is coordinating with the department of telecommunications to ensure that there is an uninterrupted mobile phone network along the national highways.

The minister said, “An initiative is underway to expand 4G coverage in uncovered villages by installing mobile towers to ensure 4G services reach every nook and corner of the country. This will directly benefit our road network, enabling us to prevent accidents and mishaps effectively”.

Singh said, “In India, the expansion of 5G network is progressing rapidly. Approximately 1 lakh sites were completed in 5 months, followed by 2 lakh in 8 months and 3 lakh in 10 months, which will greatly benefit our road network.”

“Additionally, we are making the tolling system satellite and camera-based. A pilot project is underway to implement barrierless tolling, which uses satellite based technology, on the Delhi-Meerut Express. We are also working on improving optical fibre network,“ he added.

The minister said total outlay for the mobile tower projects is more than ₹43,868 crore. He said 5G has been rolled out in 631 districts.