"Vehicles To Talk To Each Other": Government Proposes Mandatory Smart Safety Tech To Prevent Road Accidents

In a major step aimed at saving lives on Indian roads, the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways has issued a draft notification to introduce Vehicle-to-Vehicle (V2V) communication technology across motor vehicles in a phased manner. This smart connected system allows vehicles traveling on the road to automatically exchange live data with each other, including their exact speed, location, direction, and sudden braking. By sharing real-time information beyond what a driver can directly see, the technology provides early warnings about potential hazards—such as sudden stopping by a vehicle ahead, forward collision risks, unsafe lane changes, or an approaching ambulance.

Under the proposed timeline, any new two-wheeler, car, bus, or commercial truck fitted with V2V systems on or after October 1, 2027, must follow official technical standards called AIS-230. From October 1, 2028, installing this smart communication equipment will become compulsory for all newly manufactured vehicles across these categories in India. To ensure smooth implementation, the Department of Telecommunications has already exempted the specific 5.9 GHz radio frequency band required for these systems from licensing fees, allowing car manufacturers to easily fit built-in units.

Unlike traditional car safety features that depend entirely on driver reactions and sensors, V2V technology acts proactively to alert drivers or automatic systems before a crash can happen. The new standard also includes strict cybersecurity measures and safety features such as emergency brake alerts, collision warnings, and wrong-way driving alerts. Transport officials believe that introducing this connected technology will greatly improve situational awareness for drivers, protect everyday commuters, and significantly reduce fatal accidents on highways and busy city streets across the country.