The initial pilot will support risk‑zone identification and alert thresholds under select NHAI regional offices, while fully complying with regulatory provisions and data‑protection requirements.
To enhance safety and deliver a seamless travel experience, the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), India’s apex highway development agency, has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Reliance Jio to deploy a telecom‑based safety alert system across the national highway network.
Leveraging Jio’s extensive 4G and 5G coverage, travellers will receive real‑time warnings on their mobile phones as they approach identified risk zones such as accident‑prone stretches, stray‑cattle crossings, fog‑affected areas, and emergency diversions.
The initiative aims to strengthen road safety by providing timely information that enables commuters to adjust speed and driving behaviour well in advance. Alerts will be delivered via SMS, WhatsApp, and high‑priority calls. The system will be phased into NHAI’s digital platforms, including the Rajmargyatra mobile application and the emergency helpline number 1033.
Commenting on the initiative, NHAI Chairman Santosh Kumar Yadav said, “This initiative marks an important step forward in providing timely and reliable information to commuters, enabling them to make informed decisions and adopt safer driving practices well in advance. I am sure that this initiative will set a new benchmark in technology‑enabled road safety management on national highways.”
Jyotindra Thacker, President of Reliance Jio, added that the partnership harnesses Jio’s telecom reach to deliver safety alerts at scale, contributing to safer and more informed highway travel.
The automated system will work for all Jio mobile users travelling on or near national highways, providing early warnings before they enter hazardous zones. Using existing telecom towers, the solution can be deployed quickly without additional roadside hardware. This strategic partnership leverages Jio’s digital infrastructure, which serves over 500 million subscribers nationwide.
The initial pilot will support risk‑zone identification and alert thresholds under select NHAI regional offices. The initiative will fully comply with regulatory provisions and data‑protection requirements.
NHAI also plans to extend similar collaborations with other telecom service providers. By combining robust digital infrastructure with real‑time communication tools, the programme is expected to significantly enhance commuter awareness and reduce preventable road incidents.