The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Reliance Jio to launch the country’s first telecom-enabled highway safety alert system, marking a major step toward smarter and safer roads. The initiative aims to use mobile network technology to deliver real-time alerts to commuters, helping reduce accidents and improving emergency response across national highway corridors.
As part of the collaboration, NHAI will integrate its existing digital infrastructure including AI-enabled cameras, automated incident detection systems, variable message signboards, and road-weather information units with Jio’s 4G and 5G telecom network. This combined framework will allow alerts about accidents, traffic slowdowns, wrong-way driving, roadblocks, stalled vehicles, or adverse weather to be sent directly to road users through SMS, in-app notifications, or in-vehicle communication systems.
The system will initially be deployed on selected pilot stretches where Intelligent Transport Systems are already active. Officials noted that the goal is to shorten the time between an incident taking place and drivers being informed, enabling quicker reactions and preventing secondary collisions. The platform is also expected to support traffic authorities by improving real-time data flow and facilitating more coordinated incident management.
NHAI has been steadily expanding the use of digital monitoring and automated safety tools under its broader push to modernise national highways. The partnership with Jio represents a significant advancement in this effort, creating the foundation for fully connected corridors. Once the pilot phase is completed, the telecom-based alert system is planned to be scaled across more national highways, contributing to safer, more predictable travel for millions of commuters and freight operators.
