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NHAI has partnered with Reliance Jio to introduce a mobile-based safety alert system for national highways, designed to warn commuters about accident-prone stretches, fog zones, stray cattle areas and diversions. The alerts will reach users through SMS, WhatsApp and priority calls, supported by Jio's 4G and 5G network. The system will also connect with NHAI's Rajmargyatra app and the 1033 helpline. Launched recently as a pilot, it will gradually expand and may involve other telecom operators as well, aligning with the government's target to reduce road accidents significantly by 2030.
The National Highways Authority of India has entered into a partnership with Reliance Jio to roll out a mobile-based safety alert system across national highways. The initiative was formalised through an MoU signed earlier this week and aims to strengthen commuter safety by using Jio's existing 4G and 5G network infrastructure. Advertisement
The system is designed to send advance warnings to travellers approaching high-risk locations. These locations include stretches known for accidents, fog-affected zones, cattle crossings and areas where diversions or sudden obstructions may be present. Alerts will be delivered through SMS, WhatsApp messages and priority voice calls, giving drivers enough time to slow down or adjust their movement before entering a risky section of the road.
NHAI has planned to integrate the alert mechanism with several of its digital platforms. This includes the Rajmargyatra mobile application and the 1033 emergency helpline, which already support highway users with real-time updates and incident reporting. Integration will happen in stages as the system expands.
One key advantage of this model is that it does not require additional roadside hardware. Since the alerts operate through existing telecom towers, the rollout is expected to be faster and more cost-efficient. The system will begin with Jio subscribers as part of the pilot phase, but NHAI has indicated that similar arrangements may be developed with other telecom operators over time to ensure wider coverage.
This initiative is being introduced against the backdrop of India's ongoing concern around road safety. Government data recorded 1,68,491 road accident fatalities in 2022, with a large share related to overspeeding and unsafe stretches. India has set a goal to significantly cut road deaths and injuries by 2030, and the introduction of structured warning systems is seen as a meaningful step toward that target.
The new alert mechanism marks a shift toward using existing digital infrastructure to improve on-ground safety conditions. As the pilot progresses and real-time feedback is incorporated, the system is expected to become more refined and eventually available to all highway users, irrespective of their telecom provider.
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