What is the ‘Call Before u Dig’ application launched by PM Modi?

Uncoordinated digging and excavation lead to losses of about Rs 3,000 crore every year. Here's how a new app aims to address the issue.

File photo of a JCB cutting a concrete road. (Express photo by Arul Horizon)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday launched the ‘Call Before u Dig’ (CBuD) app, to facilitate coordination between excavation agencies and underground utility owners to prevent damage to utilities due to digging.

Why is the app needed?

The Call Before u Dig mobile application, an initiative of the Department of Telecommunications, Ministry of Communications, aims to prevent damage to underlying assets like optical fibre cables that occurs because of uncoordinated digging and excavation, leading to losses of about Rs 3,000 crore every year, according to a Press Information Bureau (PIB) release.

It will save potential business loss and minimise discomfort to the citizens due to reduced disruption in essential services like road, telecom, water, gas and electricity.

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How does the app work?

The CBuD app will connect excavators and asset owners through SMS/Email notifications and click-to-call so that there are planned excavations in the country while ensuring the safety of underground assets.

It aims to give excavating companies a point of contact, where they can inquire about existing subsurface utilities before starting excavation work. Utility owners can also find out about impending work at the location.

PM Modi unveils 6G vision document, ITU

Along with the CBuD app, Modi unveiled Bharat’s 6G Vision Document and inaugurated the new International Telecommunication Union (ITU) Area office and Innovation Centre.

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ITU is the United Nations’ specialised agency for information and communication technologies (ICTs). Headquartered in Geneva, it has a network of field, regional, and area offices.

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The 6G Testbed was also launched. It will provide academic institutions, industries, start-ups, and MSMEs, and industry, among others, a platform to test and validate evolving ICTs. The Bharat 6G Vision Document and 6G Testbed will also provide an enabling environment for innovation, capacity building and faster technology adoption in the country.

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