Gati Shakti Sanchar Portal

Why in news?

• Recently, Department of Telecommunication of Ministry of Communications has launched the “GatiShakti Sanchar” portal.

About Gati Shakti Sanchar Portal:

• The GatiShakti Sanchar portal will enable centralised right of way (RoW) approvals for telecom infrastructure projects and can be used by industry players to apply for RoW approvals, including for 5G services.
• It has been launched in line with the PM GatiShakti National Master Plan.
• The portal has been developed keeping in view the vision areas of the National Broadband Mission, which is majorly about providing broadband infrastructure to every citizen.

Significance:

• The portal will enable applicants form various Telecom Service providers (TSPs) as well as Infrastructure providers (IPs) to apply at a common single portal for Right of Way permissions to lay down Optical Fibre Cable and for erecting mobile towers to State/UT Governments and local bodies.
• The portal will smoothen the RoW approval process, which will lead to:
  • Fast laying of more Optical Fiber Cable and thus will accelerate fiberization
  • Increased tower density which will enhance connectivity and improve the quality of various telecom services
  • Increased fiberization of telecom towers, thus ensuring better Broadband speed, across the country.

PRACTICE QUESTION

GatiShakti Sanchar portal, that enables centralised right of way (RoW) approvals for telecom infrastructure projects, is launched by:

(a) Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology

(b) Ministry of Communications

(c) Ministry of Science and Technology

(d) Minister of Commerce and Industry

Answer