Gen VK Singh emphasises importance of Telecommunication network along National Highways for better services and reducing road accidents
Union Minister of State for Road
Transport and Highways and Civil Aviation Gen (Retd) Dr VK Singh today said
that the Telecommunication network is being used in a big way along the
National Highways in order to provide better services to the road users.
Highlighting the achievements of the Telecommunications department and their
impact on all other Ministries and departments in a Press Conference in New
Delhi 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”.
Dr 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.” He said: “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 also spoke of
most and swifter challans and punitive measures for traffic violators with help
of the cameras installed that can further help in reduction in number of
accidents.
Dr Singh said total outlay for
the mobile tower projects is more than Rs 43,868 Crore. He said 5G has
been rolled out in 631 districts. He also informed that with 6G work starting
it will be easier to access control the roads.
The Minister also
spoke about the BSNL revival package to improve quality
and connectivity in other areas also.
Gen VK Singh
also spoke about plans to increase speed limits on certain roads for example,
near Dausa to 140km/h from 120km/h citing examples of most people traveling
above 140km speed and smooth roads.