The Government of India is preparing to roll out Vehicle-to-Vehicle (V2V) communication technology by the end of 2026, a move aimed at significantly strengthening road safety and reducing accidents across the country.
The V2V system will allow vehicles to communicate directly with one another without relying on a network, enabling the exchange of real-time signals and safety alerts. Officials believe the technology could be a game-changer in preventing collisions, particularly those involving parked vehicles, fast-moving traffic from behind, and large-scale pileups during dense fog, a recurring winter hazard on Indian roads.
Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari shared details of the initiative after the Annual Meeting with State Road Transport Ministers, where the proposal was discussed in detail.
“This system is expected to help prevent accidents, especially in cases where vehicles are parked on roads and fast-moving vehicles from behind collide with them. It will also be very useful during foggy conditions,” Gadkari said.
How the V2V technology will work
The V2V communication system will operate through a device similar to a SIM card, which will be installed inside vehicles. Using this device, vehicles will exchange signals with one another and send instant alerts to drivers when another vehicle comes dangerously close from any direction.
The system will provide 360-degree communication, ensuring that alerts are received from all sides of the vehicle. It will also notify drivers about safe vehicle distance, nearby stationary or roadside vehicles, and potential collision risks—making it particularly effective when visibility drops to near zero during fog.
Integration with existing vehicle safety systems
Officials confirmed that the V2V system will work in coordination with Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS). While some premium SUVs already feature similar safety functions, those systems rely primarily on sensors rather than direct vehicle communication. After the official rollout, such vehicles will be aligned with the new V2V framework.
Cost and implementation timeline
According to Ministry of Road Transport and Highways Secretary V Umashankar, the project is estimated to cost around ₹5,000 crore, and similar technology is currently used in only a few countries worldwide.
Consumers will be required to pay for the system, although pricing details are yet to be finalised.
The Transport Ministry is working to notify the technology by the end of 2026, after which phased implementation will begin across the country. Initially, the V2V equipment will be installed only in new vehicles, with broader adoption planned later.
Additional safety measures for buses
During the meeting, Gadkari also highlighted the importance of enforcing the Bus Body Code, noting that poor bus design has contributed to at least six major accidents resulting in 135 deaths.
He said existing buses will be retrofitted with additional safety features, including:
- Fire extinguishers
- Driver drowsiness detection systems
- Emergency hammers for passengers
Officials believe the introduction of V2V technology, along with enhanced vehicle safety standards, will play a crucial role in reducing road fatalities and improving overall traffic safety in India.