A joint inspection by the telecom and railway departments revealed that 70% of the Konkan Railway, which runs through numerous tunnels in the Ghat region, lacks mobile coverage. This inspection, termed a 'Mobile Coverage Drive Test', covered the Roha to Mangalore railway line, with participation from BSNL, VIL, Jio, and Airtel....
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The report, highlighting the need for mobile coverage for communication in emergencies and during landslides, will be sent to the Delhi Telecom Department. While the issue exists across Maharashtra, Goa, and Karnataka, Maharashtra faces the most significant challenge due to the extensive ghat section. The lack of coverage is attributed to the numerous long tunnels, where signal reception is impossible. Mobile companies are hesitant to install additional towers due to the low population density along the railway line. The reliance on the railway's VHF sets (walkie-talkies) for communication between stations and motormen poses a challenge during emergencies and accidents, highlighting the critical need for mobile coverage.