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The Delhi High Court has emphasized that upgrading telecom infrastructure is crucial for the Delhi Airport Metro Express Line, which connects the IGI Airport with New Delhi Railway Station and serves as a vital link for passengers. Justice Sachin Datta noted with concern that although 5G services were launched more
than three years ago, the company originally tasked with setting up In-Building Solutions (IBS) had failed to install the required systems or roll out 5G services. Due to the delay, the court refused to interfere with the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation's (DMRC) decision to remove the company from the project and hand over the work to Indus Towers Limited.
Indus Towers to Boost Delhi Metro's Service with Telecom Upgradation
In 2019, DMRC awarded the contract to Crest Digitel Private Limited, requiring it to ensure seamless mobile coverage for metro passengers. However, DMRC reported that Crest Digitel's failure to perform its duties led to numerous complaints about poor network connectivity, including service blackouts, particularly in the underground sections of the line, putting passengers' safety at risk.
Crest Digitel argued that it had already entered into agreements with telecom operators based on its contract with DMRC, and the sudden termination harmed its business. It also claimed that Indus Towers was brought in without competitive bidding and at a reduced license fee of ₹5,500 per square meter compared to ₹11,088 previously paid by Crest Digitel.
The High Court, however, underlined that uninterrupted mobile services are necessary for emergency communication, passenger safety, and operational needs in tunnels, and upgrading to 5G cannot be delayed further. Since Crest Digitel had not acted despite ample time, the court upheld DMRC's decision to replace it with Indus Towers.
