Daijiworld Media Network – New Delhi
New Delhi, Jan 9: The Government of India is preparing to roll out Vehicle-to-Vehicle (V2V) communication technology across the country by the end of 2026, aimed at significantly improving road safety and reducing accidents, Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari said.
The proposed system will enable vehicles to communicate directly with each other without relying on mobile networks, sending real-time alerts to drivers when another vehicle comes dangerously close from any direction.
Gadkari shared details of the initiative after the Annual Meeting with State Road Transport Ministers, stating that the technology is expected to be particularly effective in preventing collisions involving parked vehicles and fast-moving traffic from behind, as well as large-scale pileups during dense fog, a recurring winter hazard.
“Vehicles will exchange signals and alert drivers in advance, especially in low-visibility conditions like fog,” the minister said.
The system will operate through a device similar to a SIM card, which will be installed in vehicles and will enable 360-degree communication, covering all sides of the vehicle. It will provide alerts related to safe vehicle distance and warn drivers about stationary or roadside vehicles.
The V2V system will also work in coordination with Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS). While some premium vehicles already have similar features using sensors, Gadkari said these will be aligned with the new standard once the system is officially notified.
Highlighting broader safety concerns, Gadkari stressed the importance of the Bus Body Code, noting that poor bus design has resulted in at least six major accidents claiming 135 lives. He added that existing buses will be retrofitted with additional safety measures such as fire extinguishers, driver drowsiness detection systems, and emergency hammers for passengers.
Ministry of Road Transport and Highways Secretary V Umashankar termed the initiative a major step towards road safety, noting that V2V technology is currently in use in only a few countries globally. He said the project is estimated to cost around Rs 5,000 crore.
While consumers will have to pay for the system, the exact pricing has not yet been disclosed. The Transport Ministry is working to notify the technology by the end of 2026, following which a phased implementation will begin, initially covering new vehicles.
Officials believe the V2V communication system will play a crucial role in reducing road accidents and enhancing overall traffic safety in India.