Upgradation Of Telecom Infrastructure For Better Connectivity Integral To Delhi Airport Metro Line: High Court
LIVELAW NEWS NETWORK
12 Sept 2025 2:39 PM IST
The Delhi High Court has emphasized that upgradation of telecom infrastructure is of paramount importance and is an integral part of the Delhi Airport Metro Express Line, a lifeline for Delhi travellers connecting IGI Airport to New Delhi Railway Station.
Justice Sachin Datta however regretted that despite the passage of more than three years since the launch of 5G services, the company initially entrusted to install 'InBuilding Solutions' had “neither installed nor rolled out 5G services.”
It thus refused to interfere with the company's challenge to a decision of the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation, removing it from the said work and rather engaging Indus Towers Limited for the purpose.
Briefly put, the work pertaining to the provisioning of IBS was awarded to the petitioner-Crest Digitel Private Limited back in 2019, requiring it ensure uninterrupted mobile network coverage for the passengers using metro train services.
As per DMRC, the Petitioner “grossly failed” at this and the body had been receiving various complaints from commuters and users of the metro facility, particularly in relation to the underground sections of the metro line.
It submitted that service blackouts and interruptions in mobile network coverage pose a serious risk to passenger safety. To obviate these gaps, DMRC said it was compelled to engage Indus Towers (respondent no.2).
Petitioner-company argued that it had entered into agreements with telecom service providers based on its License Agreement with DMRC and the sudden u-turn by the body adversely impacted its business.
It was further contended that Respondent no.2 was engaged without resorting to a competitive bidding process and even the rate payable in terms of the License Agreement was significantly reduced to Rs.5,500/- per square meter (as compared to Rs.11,088/- per square meter payable by the Petitioner).
The High Court at the outset observed that ensuring uninterrupted and seamless mobile connectivity, especially in the underground tunnel section of the Airport Metro Express Line, is a necessary imperative.
“Such connectivity plays an essential role in enabling emergency communication, passenger safety and operational coordination at all times. It is also imperative to upgrade infrastructure to support 5G services…This Court cannot lose sight of the fact that, despite the passage of more than three years since the launch of 5G services, the petitioner has neither installed nor rolled out 5G services.”
It also noted that Respondent no.2 was willing to match the current license fee being paid by the Petitioner.
As such, it refused to interfere in the matter.
Appearance: Mr. Sandeep Sethi, Sr. Adv. and Mr. Dayan Krishan, Sr. Adv. alongwith Mr. Sahil Narang, Mr. Madhavam Sharma, Mr. Ayushman Kacker, Mr. Sukrit Seth, Advocates for Petitioner; Mr. Srinivasan Ramaswamy, Adv. for R1. Ms. Avni Singh, PC for GNCTD. Mr. Amarjit Singh Chandiok, Sr. Adv. alongwith Ms. Suryaprava Basu, Mr. Mehul Parit, Mr. Ashwani Malhotra and Ms. Shivangi and Ms. Nancy, Advocates for R2.
Case title: Crest Digitel Private Limited v. DMRC & Anr.
Case no.: W.P.(C) 10051/2025