UPDATE: India is taking bold steps to enhance road safety with a groundbreaking initiative that will introduce Vehicle-to-Vehicle (V2V) communication technology by the end of 2026. This innovative system allows vehicles to exchange real-time safety alerts directly, aiming to significantly reduce road accidents and improve safety on Indian highways.
In an urgent announcement, Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari confirmed that the V2V technology will soon be rolling out across the nation. This initiative, discussed at the Annual Meeting with State Road Transport Ministers, comes in response to alarming statistics surrounding road safety in India. With the objective of cutting down on fog-related pileups and collisions involving parked vehicles, the government is prioritizing this technology as a vital enhancement to existing road safety measures.
The V2V system operates independently of mobile networks, enabling vehicles to communicate crucial information such as speed, location, and direction with one another. When a vehicle approaches another too closely, drivers will receive immediate alerts, potentially preventing catastrophic accidents. Experts believe this could lead to a drastic decline in the number of accidents during the heavy fog conditions common in north India.
The project is estimated to cost around Rs 5,000 crore, with the initial rollout focusing on new vehicles. Once operational, this peer-to-peer safety network will function as a 360-degree alert system, warning drivers about both moving and stationary vehicles in their vicinity.
While many modern vehicles are already equipped with cameras and sensors, these technologies have limitations. A camera may struggle to detect obstacles in low visibility, while sensors might miss vehicles hidden from view. V2V technology transcends these boundaries, providing alerts even when line of sight is obstructed. For instance, if a vehicle brakes suddenly ahead, the alert can traverse through multiple vehicles, ensuring timely warnings for drivers behind.
The V2V system will employ a device similar to a SIM card in vehicles, which automatically sends and receives safety signals. Initially, drivers will receive alerts through sounds or dashboard notifications. Future updates could integrate with automatic braking and steering assistance, further enhancing safety.
In conjunction with the V2V rollout, the transport ministry is also strengthening existing safety regulations. Officials have identified poor bus design as a contributing factor to fatal accidents. To address this, older buses will be retrofitted with essential safety features such as fire extinguishers, driver drowsiness detection systems, and emergency hammers for passenger escape.
Currently, V2V technology is in use in only a handful of countries, making India one of the largest markets to undertake a nationwide implementation. Although the initial impact may be subtle—without flashy interfaces or buttons—the potential for vehicles to inform each other of dangers could lead to a significant reduction in road fatalities.
Stay tuned for further updates as India embarks on this crucial journey to transform road safety. Click for more latest updates on auto news and follow our coverage for top headlines from India and around the world.
