Telecom infra: NDMC receives 30 objections on ‘right of way’ draft

New Delhi: New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC) has received about 30 objections or suggestions on its 'right of the way' draft policy introduced last month for setting up infrastructure, like mobile towers and optical fibre cable. The policy also specified penalty or action to be taken in case of any violation.
Officials claimed that objections or suggestions on charges referred in the draft policy for legalisation of illegal mobile towers etc.were submitted during a recent meeting with stakeholders.
“Some stakeholders also suggested permitting aerial cable. We are yet to complete the technical evaluation based on the objections received from stakeholders. After scrutinising all these suggestions, a finalised policy will be tabled in the council meeting next month for final nod and implementation,” said an official.
Delhi govt has already notified the right of way policy last year to improve connectivity.
As per the NDMC’s draft policy, implementing agencies concerned shall pay charges for restoration of roads dug up for installation of equipment. Rules have been framed for installation of small cells on street furniture. Besides, to strengthen mobile networks inside buildings, provision for installation of in-building solutions will be promoted, as per the draft policy.
“The draft policy has been framed in pursuance of the provisions of the Indian Right of Way Rules, 2016, which was notified by the Department of Telecom, Govt of India as amendment in 2023 to regulate underground telecommunication infrastructure. This is the first time that such an exhaustive policy in this regard is being planned,” said the official.
The draft policy emphasises that the licence holders take prior permission from NDMC and private owners for laying the cable. It stated, “If the application remains pending for more than sixty days, it may be deemed as approved.”
A penalty, up to Rs 25,000, will be imposed in case a licence holder is unable to provide a satisfactory reply to a show-cause notice. Within two months of issuance of this policy, those operating towers without a licence can approach the council for clearance. And towers and poles without permission may invite a penalty up to Rs 5,00,000 per month, as per the draft.
In draft policy, rules have also been framed to promote installation of ‘micro-communication equipment’, which can be installed on any type of structure, pole, or building. To increase the connectivity, if a company needs to dig roads for laying optical fibre cable, then the consent will be provided by NDMC.