New Delhi, Jan. 6 -- As India builds highways at a record pace, a critical digital gap is becoming harder to ignore. Citing serious lapses in mobile connectivity across several stretches, particularly greenfield and remote sections, the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has sought the intervention of the telecommunications department and the sector regulator to issue directions to service providers to improve coverage.

The move highlights concern that poor digital connectivity along key transport corridors is undermining road safety, emergency response and the delivery of technology-enabled public services.

Emphasizing public safety implications and the strategic significance of the national highway network, the NHAI has calle...