NDMC’s ‘Right of Way’ Policy Draft Unveiled for Telecom Installations

The NDMC on Friday released the draft of the ‘Right of Way’ policy for public feedback on fixed rates for setting up telegraph infrastructure like mobile towers and optical fibre cables and action to be taken in case of an installation violation.

The New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC) has framed a draft policy for underground and overground Telecommunication Infrastructure in areas under its jurisdiction.

The draft has been uploaded on NDMC’s website and the last date for the feedback submission is January 18.

“The 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, Government of India as the RoW Rules, 2016 as amendment in 2023 to regulate underground and overground telecommunication infrastructure,” an official said.

According to the draft policy, it intends to promote the installation of micro communication equipment that can be installed on any type of structure or building and in-building solutions (IBS) for places where there is poor connectivity and the objective is to strengthen the quality of mobile networks.

The draft states that any telecom service provider or infrastructure provider, registered or licensed with the Department of Telecommunications is eligible to seek permissions under this policy to make provision of the communication and connectivity infrastructure.

The policy states that any application for obtaining clearance for the existing unauthorised mobile towers shall be submitted within two months of issue of this policy, following which, the matter would be taken as per laid down procedure by the NDMC.

“Once the application is submitted within due time, the operation of the mobile tower shall not be discontinued till disposal of the application by the NDMC.