Mobile network black spots on highways raise safety concerns for NHAI

Concerned over safety and emergency response risks, NHAI has asked the telecom regulator to step in and improve mobile connectivity across highways and expressways, citing hundreds of coverage gaps that hinder coordination and delay assistance during accidents.

The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has raised concerns over inadequate mobile network coverage along several highway and expressway stretches, warning that connectivity gaps pose serious risks to commuter safety and emergency response. The authority has urged the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (Trai) to direct telecom operators to strengthen cellular networks in these areas.

According to reports quoting officials familiar with the matter, NHAI has identified 424 locations classified as “telecom black spots,” spanning nearly 1,750 kilometres of national highways and expressways. Details of these gaps have been formally shared with Trai. In a communication to the regulator, NHAI highlighted that the absence of mobile connectivity is affecting real-time coordination with field teams, enforcement agencies and emergency responders such as ambulances and patrol units.

Greenfield expressways most affected

Connectivity gaps are reportedly more common on newly built greenfield corridors and remote highway sections. Several major expressways feature prominently on NHAI’s list, including stretches of the Delhi–Mumbai and Bengaluru–Chennai expressways. Officials noted that certain segments have no mobile signal at all, making it difficult for road users to seek help in case of breakdowns or accidents.

Data shared with Trai indicates that around 69 km of the Delhi–Mumbai expressway passing through Ratlam district lacks mobile coverage, while the 51 km stretch between Harda and Betul in Madhya Pradesh is also without network access. Other affected sections include parts of the Bengaluru–Chennai expressway, Tambaram–Tindivanam in Tamil Nadu, Warangal–Khammam in Andhra Pradesh and the Mumbai–Vadodara expressway near Thane.

Proposal for safety alerts

Beyond connectivity, NHAI has flagged around 1,665 accident-prone locations, many linked to stray cattle movement across highways. To mitigate risks, the authority has proposed geo-targeted SMS and flash alerts to warn drivers as they approach hazardous zones.

NHAI has requested Trai to instruct telecom operators to support these alerts free of cost, citing public safety. The proposed messages would reach users about 15 minutes before they enter high-risk stretches. Officials believe improved connectivity and proactive alerts could significantly reduce response times and help prevent fatal accidents on India’s highways.