The Delhi government has recently revised its Right of Way (RoW) policy concerning telecom infrastructure, focusing on expeditious network restoration following construction-related damages. Timely restoration of telecom infrastructure stands as a crucial task for the Delhi government. The updated policy, titled “Delhi Right of Way Policy for Underground Infrastructure and Overground Telecommunications Infrastructure, 2023,” was officially notified on November 1.
This policy is designed to ensure that telecom companies complete infrastructure-related tasks within specified timelines and promptly repair any damages incurred. Frequently, situations arise where city roads are excavated without proper barricading, compromising citizen safety. The new RoW rules address this concern by mandating swift resolution of excavated areas. The policy also establishes a single-window system, streamlining the process for companies to obtain government permission. This approach aims to save time for all parties involved and foster an environment where applicants refrain from undertaking work without proper authorization.
According to the policy, any company undertaking a project in a specific area is accountable for restoring any damages to public facilities. Failure to promptly restore public facilities may result in penalties for the company. Additionally, the government will encourage companies to carry out their work during non-peak or nighttime hours to minimize inconvenience to the public. In return, the government commits to inspecting and approving requests received through the single-window system within 30 days. This updated policy aims to ensure that work progresses efficiently, causing minimal disruption to the public.
