India Plans Vehicle To Vehicle Safety Network

India is preparing to introduce a nationwide vehicle communication framework aimed at reducing road accidents by enabling cars and commercial vehicles to exchange safety information directly with one another. The proposed vehicle to vehicle technology is expected to be rolled out in phases by the end of 2026, marking one of the most significant shifts in how road safety is managed across the country’s highways and urban corridors. 

The initiative, currently under intergovernmental consultation, was discussed during a recent coordination meeting between the Union transport ministry and state-level road authorities. Officials involved in the discussions say the system is being designed to address India’s persistently high accident and fatality rates, particularly on high-speed corridors, fog-prone highways, and poorly lit arterial roads. At its core, vehicle to vehicle technology allows automobiles to transmit and receive short-range safety signals without relying on mobile networks. A small onboard unit, embedded within the vehicle, continuously exchanges data such as speed, direction, and proximity with nearby vehicles. When a collision risk is detected whether from sudden braking, unsafe following distance, or stationary vehicles ahead drivers receive instant alerts, enabling preventive action.

Transport safety specialists believe the system could be particularly effective in Indian driving conditions, where mixed traffic, roadside parking, and limited visibility often combine to create high-risk situations. Unlike camera-based assistance systems that depend on clear visual input, direct vehicle communication can function in fog, heavy rain, or low-light conditions, reducing the likelihood of multi-vehicle pile-ups. Importantly, the proposed framework is not intended to replace existing in-car safety technologies such as advanced driver assistance systems found in premium vehicles. Instead, officials indicate that vehicle to vehicle technology will act as a common safety layer, allowing vehicles of different makes and price segments to communicate using a shared standard. Over time, alignment between factory-installed safety systems and the national platform is expected.

While the government has earmarked significant public investment for the programme’s initial deployment, the per-vehicle cost has not yet been finalised. Industry estimates suggest that costs could be moderated if the system is integrated during manufacturing rather than retrofitted later. New vehicles are likely to receive the technology as standard once regulations are notified, while older vehicles may be offered approved retrofit options under a separate framework. Urban mobility planners note that beyond safety, the technology could support more efficient traffic flow and lower emissions by reducing abrupt braking and congestion-related idling an important consideration as Indian cities work towards cleaner, more climate-resilient transport systems. As technical standards and timelines are finalised, the success of vehicle to vehicle technology will depend on coordinated implementation, affordability, and public awareness. If executed effectively, the system could redefine road safety across India’s expanding highway network while laying the groundwork for smarter, more inclusive mobility in the years ahead.

India plans vehicle to vehicle safety network