NHAI Launches Telecom-Based Safety Alert System to Enhance Travel Safety on National Highways

New Delhi | December 2, 2025 The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has announced a new telecom-based safety alert system aimed at providing real-time information to commuters on National Highways, enhancing road safety and ensuring a smoother travel experience. The system is designed to alert drivers to potential hazards well in advance, enabling them to adjust speed and driving behaviour accordingly. The initiative will use SMS, WhatsApp messages, and high-priority calls to reach National Highway users. Initially, the service will be available to Reliance Jio customers, with plans to extend coverage to all telecom providers in the coming months. The alerts will be integrated with NHAI’s existing digital platforms, including the ‘Rajmargyatra’ mobile app and the emergency helpline number 1033. A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) has been signed between NHAI and Reliance Jio, leveraging the telecom provider’s 4G and 5G network to deliver alerts. Travellers will receive notifications as they approach accident-prone stretches, fog-affected zones, areas with stray cattle, and emergency diversions. The automated system is designed to work with existing telecom towers, eliminating the need for additional roadside infrastructure, and can be deployed quickly across the network. NHAI Chairman Santosh Kumar Yadav emphasized that the initiative represents a significant step forward in technology-enabled road safety. He stated that timely alerts would allow commuters to make informed decisions and adopt safer driving practices, potentially reducing preventable accidents on National Highways. Jyotindra Thacker, President of Reliance Jio, highlighted the role of the telecom network in reaching millions of users and ensuring that safety alerts are delivered at scale. He added that the partnership would contribute to safer and more informed highway travel for the country’s growing number of commuters. The initial pilot deployment will focus on select regional offices and identified risk zones, allowing authorities to fine-tune alert thresholds and effectiveness. The project will comply with all regulatory and data-protection guidelines, ensuring user privacy while maximizing the impact of real-time notifications. Officials stated that similar initiatives are planned with other telecom providers, combining robust digital infrastructure with real-time communication tools. By providing early warnings and actionable information to drivers, NHAI aims to reduce accidents and enhance commuter awareness across India’s highway network. This initiative reflects the government’s commitment to leveraging technology to improve public safety and streamline transportation. By integrating digital solutions with road management, NHAI envisions a safer, smarter, and more efficient travel experience for millions of National Highway users every day. The alert system is expected to set a new benchmark for road safety management and demonstrate how public-private partnerships can effectively use technology to address critical infrastructure challenges. The phased rollout will ensure that lessons from the pilot program are applied nationwide, creating a comprehensive safety network for all highway travellers. NHAI Launches Telecom-Based Safety Alert System to Enhance Travel Safety on National Highways The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has introduced a telecom-based safety alert system to improve road safety and ensure smoother travel for commuters. The system will send alerts via SMS, WhatsApp, and high-priority calls, providing timely warnings about potential hazards such as accident-prone areas, fog zones, stray cattle, and emergency diversions. Initially, the service will be available for Reliance Jio users, with plans to expand to all telecom providers. The alerts will be integrated with NHAI’s digital platforms, including the ‘Rajmargyatra’ app and the emergency helpline 1033. By leveraging Jio’s 4G and 5G network, the system can reach millions of users without installing additional roadside infrastructure. NHAI Chairman Santosh Kumar Yadav said the initiative allows commuters to make informed decisions, adjust their driving, and prevent accidents. Reliance Jio President Jyotindra Thacker highlighted the telecom network’s role in delivering timely safety alerts at scale, ensuring safer highway travel. The initial rollout will focus on select risk zones and regional offices, with full compliance to data protection rules. Similar projects with other telecom providers are planned to expand coverage nationwide. This initiative combines technology and real-time communication to reduce road accidents and enhance commuter awareness, marking a step forward in creating safer and smarter National Highways.