Pragati tunnel: Mobile boosters planned to fix connectivity

New Delhi: Public Works Department (PWD) is planning to install boosters to address the issue of poor mobile connectivity inside the underground transit corridor at Pragati Maidan.
PWD officials have confirmed that fresh efforts are being made to install mobile signal boosters, as connectivity remains an issue along a 500-metre stretch of the main tunnel.The problem was first flagged by Delhi Police in 2022.
Since then, PWD has attempted to install boosters inside the tunnel. The tunnel, along with six underpasses, is part of the transit corridor developed under the Pragati Maidan redevelopment project. This six-lane, 1.36 km-long tunnel connects directly to Bharat Mandapam, a venue for several VIP govt events and meetings, making a stable mobile connection essential.
The tunnel begins at Purana Quila Road, connected to the India Gate circle, and ends at Ring Road. Five of the six underpasses are on Mathura Road, with the sixth located on Ring Road.
The tunnel is equipped with CCTV cameras, and the operation of LED screens, signage, and exhaust control is digitally managed. Although the tunnel and five of the underpasses were inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in June 2022, construction work on the Bhairon Marg underpass is still ongoing.
Previously, PWD had invited bids from telecom companies to install network boosters in the 500-metre section where call drops occurred. According to PWD, the work is being revived, and the space will be allocated to a bidder who will provide connectivity for all network providers.
PWD has taken inspiration from Delhi Metro Rail Corporation, which has successfully resolved connectivity issues at its underground stations.