One of the key strengths of this initiative is its reliance on existing telecom infrastructure.
Get Real-Time Highway Safety Alerts: NHAI Signs MoU with Jio
The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Reliance Jio for a safety alert system for users travelling on the national highway network. As per the agreement, travellers using Jio mobile service will soon receive warnings in advance on their phones about hazardous or risk-prone highway areas.
Under the plan, real-time alerts will be sent via SMS, WhatsApp messages or high-priority voice calls to warn motorists of approaching accident-prone stretches, stray-cattle zones, fog and poor visibility patches, congestion, road repairs, sudden diversions or other hazards. The initiative focuses on giving drivers enough time to slow down, take detours whenever needed, or travel more cautiously, potentially lowering the risk of accidents on busy or dangerous sections of highways.
One of the key strengths of this initiative is its reliance on existing telecom infrastructure. NHAI can deploy the alert system quickly and at scale, without installing new roadside hardware or physical signboards, by using Jio’s 4G/5G network and existing cell towers.
NHAI has also said that the system will be integrated in a phased manner with its digital platforms, including the ‘Rajmargyatra’ mobile app and the emergency helpline number 1033, as reported in the coverage based on NHAI’s statements. The first phase will involve a pilot deployment under selected regional offices, where risk zones will be identified and alert thresholds defined.
According to officials, this telecom-based alert system has the potential to set a new benchmark in technology-enabled road-safety management on national highways. As per the Hindustan Times report, the intent is to eventually expand the alert coverage to users of all telecom service providers.
In a country where highways stretch over thousands of kilometres and pass through fog-prone regions, rural zones with stray animal crossings or under-construction patches, such a system could make a real difference. By giving timely, verified hazard alerts directly to commuters’ phones, NHAI and Jio are attempting to help citizens reach their destinations more safely.
Source: Hindustan Times, The Economic Times
