New Delhi: The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Reliance Jio to roll out a telecom-powered safety alert system across the national highway network.
The initiative aims to improve commuter safety by delivering real-time warnings to road users as they approach accident-prone areas.
Under the new system, alerts will be issued through SMS, WhatsApp messages and high-priority phone calls, allowing travellers to adjust their speed and driving behaviour to avoid potential hazards. The alerts will also be integrated with NHAI’s digital platforms, including the Rajmargyatra mobile app and the emergency assistance helpline number 1033.
According to NHAI, the system will function automatically for all Jio subscribers travelling on or near the national highways. It will utilise existing telecom towers for network coverage, ensuring quick implementation without the need for installing additional roadside hardware.
Reliance Jio’s extensive digital infrastructure, which connects over 500 million users across India, will support the deployment.
A pilot rollout will begin soon under select regional offices to identify risky zones and set parameters for timely alerts. NHAI has further stated that the initiative will adhere to regulatory and data protection frameworks.
To expand the coverage of the safety mechanism, the authority also intends to collaborate with other telecom operators in the future.
By integrating advanced communication technology with highway operations, NHAI aims to strengthen road safety awareness and reduce preventable accidents across India’s expanding highway network.
