TRAI has formally overruled the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) on its objections to awarding additional spectrum to Indian Railways. Specifically, the regulator rejected DoT’s demands that the existing 5 MHz in the premium 700 MHz band be fully utilised before any new allotment, and dismissed the proposal to charge the railways auction-based rates for the extra spectrum . TRAI emphasized that since Indian Railways and the NCRTC are deploying this spectrum for critical safety and security systems—such as the Kavach train collision avoidance system—commercial pricing commonly used in telecom auctions would be inappropriate and could hinder public interest . The regulator has directed the DoT to grant the additional 5 MHz spectrum administratively and implement formula-based annual charges, allowing the railways to immediately proceed with network development plans.