Vodafone Idea (Vi), a leading telecom service provider in India, is implementing emergency calling booths along the Mumbai-Pune expressway to facilitate communication with relevant authorities during emergencies. This initiative is undertaken in collaboration with the Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation Ltd (MSRDC). Vi plans to install emergency calling booths every two kilometers along the expressway, allowing travelers to seek assistance directly from the state highway police control room in times of need.
The calling booths will operate round the clock (24×7) to ensure continuous connectivity for public safety. Vi will deploy its SIM cards in these booths to maintain consistency and prevent network disruptions. MSRDC will be responsible for managing the equipment and addressing any concerns or inquiries from commuters.
Rohit Tandon, Cluster Business Head (Maharashtra and Goa) at Vodafone Idea, emphasized the significance of the partnership, stating, “As a leading telecom operator, we are privileged to collaborate with MSRDC to ensure ubiquitous connectivity for the public. While most commuters possess mobile phones, they may lack awareness of whom to contact or how to convey their location during emergencies. These emergency calling booths serve as vital tools for establishing immediate contact with highway patrol, especially during medical emergencies, accidents, or vehicle breakdowns.”
Vi has not disclosed plans regarding the extension of similar communication booths to highways in other states. However, if successful, this initiative is likely to inspire other state governments to collaborate with telecom operators to implement similar facilities on their roads.
