In order to enhance broadband connectivity in the country, the Department of Telecommunications held a meeting with State IT Secretaries and other DoT officers. In the meeting, K Rajaraman, Secretary, DoT emphasised that there should be no delay in grant of Right of Way (ROW) permissions. DoT secretary feels that if the ROW issue isn’t solved in a time-bound manner, then this can lead to hindrances in the 5G rollout.

DoT secretary also directed all DoT field units to conduct monthly meetings with service providers to review the application approval process and pendency. He further directed them to further take up the issues with state & municipal authorities. 

DoT Secretary also directed state secretaries and department heads of state governments to ensure quick disposal of RoW applications in their states. State broadband committees have also been asked to follow the state policy with Central RoW Rule-2016.

TR Dua, Director-General, Digital Infrastructure Providers Association said, “The adoption of RoW Rules, Nov’2016 and implementation thereof in a consistent manner in all the states, will not only streamline hassle-free Right of Way processes but will also result in effective and faster readiness of the states for contributing towards connected Digital India roadmap, encompassing programs like smart cities and digital society.”