India is preparing to mandate vehicle-to-vehicle communication in all new cars, allocating a dedicated 30 MHz spectrum to enable real-time alerts between vehicles, a move officials say could significantly reduce road collisions and save lives.
In a significant step towards improving road safety, the Indian government has announced plans to make vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) communication mandatory in all new cars sold in the country.
The proposal includes earmarking a dedicated 30 MHz spectrum that will allow vehicles to exchange critical safety information in real time, such as sudden braking, sharp turns, collision warnings, and hazardous road conditions.
Officials from the ministries overseeing road transport and telecommunications have described the move as a “preventive safety intervention” aimed at reducing the high number of accidents on Indian roads.
With over 1.5 lakh people losing their lives in road crashes every year, the government says technology-driven solutions are becoming essential alongside infrastructure upgrades and stricter enforcement of traffic rules.
How V2V Communication Works And Why It Matters
Vehicle-to-vehicle communication enables cars to “talk” to one another using short-range wireless signals. Through this system, vehicles can continuously share data such as speed, direction, location, and sudden changes in movement.
If one car brakes abruptly or encounters an obstacle, nearby vehicles can receive instant alerts, allowing drivers or onboard systems to react faster than human reflexes alone would allow.
A senior official familiar with the proposal said the dedicated 30 MHz spectrum would ensure low-latency and reliable communication, preventing interference from other wireless services.
“The idea is not to replace the driver but to assist them with timely information that can help avoid collisions,” the official said, adding that such systems are particularly useful in conditions of low visibility, blind spots, or heavy traffic.
Road safety experts point out that even a fraction-of-a-second warning can make a crucial difference. Studies from countries that have tested V2V systems suggest a significant reduction in multi-vehicle crashes, especially rear-end collisions and pile-ups on highways.
India’s Road Safety Crisis And The Need For Innovation
India has one of the highest numbers of road accident fatalities globally. According to government data, speeding, distracted driving, and failure to maintain safe distances are among the leading causes of crashes.
Dense traffic, mixed vehicle types-from two-wheelers to heavy trucks-and unpredictable road behaviour further complicate the situation.
Over the years, authorities have introduced several safety measures, including mandatory airbags, anti-lock braking systems, electronic stability control, and stricter crash-test norms.
While these measures have improved vehicle safety, officials acknowledge that passive safety features alone are not enough.
“Preventing accidents before they happen is the next frontier,” an official from the transport ministry said, explaining that V2V communication is part of a broader push towards intelligent transport systems.
The government is also exploring vehicle-to-infrastructure (V2I) solutions, where cars can receive information from traffic signals, toll booths, and road sensors.
Learning From Global Experiences
India’s move follows similar initiatives in other parts of the world. Countries such as the United States, Japan, and several European Union members have conducted extensive trials of V2V and vehicle-to-everything (V2X) technologies.
In Japan, connected vehicle systems have been used to warn drivers about vehicles approaching from blind intersections, while in Europe, cooperative intelligent transport systems are being integrated into broader road safety frameworks.
Experts say India’s adoption of a dedicated spectrum is a crucial step, as reliable communication is the backbone of such systems. However, they caution that the benefits will be fully realised only when a critical mass of vehicles is equipped with the technology.
Automakers have largely welcomed the proposal but have sought clarity on implementation timelines, technical standards, and costs. Industry representatives have emphasised the need for uniform standards so that vehicles from different manufacturers can communicate seamlessly.
Some have also raised concerns about affordability, especially in the mass-market segment, where cost increases could impact buyers.
Privacy, Costs, And Implementation Challenges
While the safety potential of V2V technology is widely acknowledged, questions remain around data privacy and cybersecurity. Officials have stated that the system will exchange only basic safety messages and will not collect personal data.
“The focus is safety, not surveillance,” an official said, adding that encryption and security protocols would be built into the system.
Cost is another concern. Integrating V2V hardware and software into vehicles could increase manufacturing expenses, which may be passed on to consumers. However, safety advocates argue that the long-term social and economic benefits-reduced accidents, lower healthcare costs, and fewer fatalities-far outweigh the initial investment.
The government is expected to introduce the mandate in phases, giving manufacturers time to adapt and ensuring smoother adoption. Pilot projects and public awareness campaigns are also being considered to familiarise drivers with the technology and its benefits.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
Every road death is not just a statistic but a human tragedy that affects families and communities.
Mandating vehicle-to-vehicle communication signals a shift from reactive to preventive safety, where technology is used with empathy to protect lives before harm occurs.
However, technology alone cannot solve India’s road safety crisis. Transparent implementation, affordability, strong data safeguards, and sustained efforts to improve driving behaviour must go hand in hand.
