In line with the objective to create a robust communication technology infrastructure, the government of Gujarat has adopted the Right-of-Way (RoW) 2016 policy in the state in line with the central government’s RoW policy. With this, Gujarat has become the latest state to issue RoW rules for easing telecom infrastructure rollout in the state, in line with the guidelines issued by the centre in November 2016.
As per the policy, the state government has fixed a one-time fee of Rs 10,000 per application to meet administrative expenses for the installation of telecom tower deployment. Meanwhile, the telecom companies will be charged Rs 1,000 per kilometre for rolling out optical fibre cable (OFC), be it underground or overground. Besides, the time bound clearance within 60 days with deemed approval provision.
Commenting on the initiative, T.R.Dua, director general, DIPA, said,” We are thankful to the government of Gujarat for releasing the long awaited Gujarat RoW policy. Telecom infrastructure industry has been playing a vital role in containing the impact of lockdown due to the pandemic covid-19. The adoption of RoW Rules, November 2016 and implementation thereof in a consistent manner in Gujarat will not only streamline hassle free RoW processes but will also result in effective and faster readiness of Gujarat for contributing towards connected digital India roadmap, encompassing programs like smart cities and digital society. We also thank and applaud Ashwini Vaishnaw, minister of Communications and Electronics and Information Technology, government of India; Devusinh Chauhan, minister of State for Communications of India; Department of Telecommunications (DoT) and National Broadband Mission (NBM) directorate for their continuous support and intervention in getting the long awaited policy issued.”
The policy encourages the deployment of towers, OFC, cell on wheel, micro sites, small cell, in-building solution etc. that are essential to improve the digital connectivity across urban municipal corporations and other areas of Gujarat.
The RoW rules, notified way back in November 2016, provides for a framework to give approvals for setting up of telecom towers and laying of fibre cables and settle disputes in a time-bound manner, as well as improve coordination between companies and the State government authorities and local bodies. It also prescribes for setting up a web-based online portal for single window clearance mechanism to ensure time bound approvals.
