Supreme Court Upholds DMRC’s Choice of Indus Towers for 5G Metro Connectivity
Court dismisses Crest Digital’s plea against DMRC’s nomination-based contract award
Ruling clears path for seamless 5G services on Delhi Airport Metro Express Line
By Our Legal Reporter
New Delhi: December 21, 2025:
In a landmark judgment, the Supreme Court of India has backed the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) in its decision to select Indus Towers for installing and operating in-building solutions (IBS) to enable 5G mobile services along the Delhi Airport Metro Express Line. The ruling, delivered on December 17, 2025, dismissed a petition filed by Crest Digital, a rival contender, challenging DMRC’s choice to award the contract through private negotiations rather than open tendering.
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This decision is expected to accelerate the rollout of next-generation connectivity infrastructure across one of Delhi’s busiest metro corridors, ensuring passengers enjoy uninterrupted high-speed mobile services.
Background of the Case
- DMRC awarded Indus Towers the contract to deploy IBS for 5G services on the Airport Metro Express Line.
- Crest Digital, another bidder, challenged the award, arguing that the contract was given on a nomination basis without competitive bidding.
- The Supreme Court dismissed Crest Digital’s plea, while allowing it the liberty to apply afresh for a smaller coverage area (12 metres), directing DMRC to consider the application on “suitable” grounds.
Supreme Court’s Observations
- Judicial Endorsement of DMRC’s Authority: The Court held that DMRC, as a public utility operator, has the discretion to select partners through private negotiations when justified.
- Balance Between Efficiency and Fairness: While dismissing Crest Digital’s challenge, the Court ensured procedural fairness by allowing Crest to reapply for limited coverage.
- Boost to 5G Rollout: The ruling removes legal hurdles, enabling DMRC and Indus Towers to proceed with rapid deployment of 5G infrastructure.
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Significance of the Ruling
- For DMRC: Reinforces its autonomy in awarding contracts critical to passenger services.
- For Indus Towers: Strengthens its position as a leading telecom infrastructure provider in India.
- For Passengers: Ensures seamless 5G connectivity on the Airport Metro Express Line, enhancing travel experience.
- For the Telecom Sector: Sets a precedent for public-private partnerships in deploying advanced telecom infrastructure across urban transport systems.
Industry Reactions
Telecom experts and industry stakeholders have welcomed the ruling:
- Indus Towers is expected to leverage its extensive infrastructure expertise to deliver robust 5G coverage.
- Policy Analysts note that the judgment underscores the importance of judicial support for infrastructure modernization, especially in sectors like transport and telecom.
- Commuters stand to benefit from uninterrupted high-speed internet, supporting digital payments, streaming, and real-time navigation.
Broader Context: 5G in India
India’s 5G rollout has been gathering pace since 2022, with operators like Reliance Jio and Bharti Airtel expanding coverage nationwide. The integration of 5G into metro systems represents a critical step in urban digital transformation, enabling smart mobility solutions, IoT applications, and enhanced passenger services.
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The DMRC-Indus Towers partnership is likely to serve as a model for other metro networks, combining transport infrastructure with cutting-edge telecom technology.
Challenges Ahead
While the ruling clears immediate legal hurdles, challenges remain:
- Implementation Speed: Ensuring timely deployment of IBS systems across metro stations.
- Cost Management: Balancing infrastructure investment with affordable passenger services.
- Regulatory Oversight: Maintaining transparency in future contract awards to avoid disputes.
Conclusion
The Supreme Court’s decision to uphold DMRC’s award of the 5G IBS contract to Indus Towers marks a milestone in India’s telecom and transport integration. By dismissing Crest Digital’s challenge, the Court has paved the way for seamless 5G connectivity on Delhi’s Airport Metro Express Line, reinforcing the vision of a digitally empowered urban transport ecosystem.
This ruling not only strengthens DMRC’s operational autonomy but also highlights the judiciary’s role in supporting India’s digital infrastructure growth.
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