The Railway Board has taken strict measures to solve the problem of call drops on trains and at railway stations. Mobile service providers will face heavy penalties if network signals remain weak. This move aims to ensure that passengers get a better and more stable signal during their journey.
How will the call drop problem be solved?
The Railway Board is focusing on improving connectivity to help passengers. Telecom companies will be held accountable for poor signal quality. If the network is found to be weak, providers will have to pay lakhs of rupees in fines. This will push companies to upgrade their towers and equipment near railway tracks and stations.
What are the related telecom regulations?
While the Railway Board is pushing for better signals, the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) also manages network quality. TRAI has previously introduced guidelines to penalize operators for failing to meet call drop benchmarks. Additionally, TRAI is proposing new rules to improve how customer complaints are handled, with potential penalties of up to ₹50 lakh per quarter for non-compliance.
How is railway digital infrastructure changing?
Indian Railways has been upgrading its own systems to support better communication. Key updates include:
- Modernization of the IP MPLS backbone at 1,396 stations.
- Expansion of AI-based video surveillance at 1,874 stations.
- Upgrading passenger information systems for better efficiency.
- Future plans to move towards 5G-based FRMCS technology by 2035.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Why is the Railway Board imposing fines on telecom companies?
The fines are being imposed to stop the problem of call drops and ensure that passengers have a strong mobile signal on trains and at stations.
What is the role of TRAI in network quality?
TRAI sets benchmarks for call drops and can penalize operators up to ₹10 lakh or more if they fail to maintain service quality or mishandle customer complaints.