NHAI, Jio launch telecom safety alert system to boost secure travel on highways

Speaking on the initiative, NHAI Chairman Santosh Kumar Yadav said the project represents a significant milestone in road-safety modernization.

In a major step toward improving road safety and enhancing commuter experience, the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Reliance Jio to deploy a telecom-enabled highway safety alert system across the national highway network.

Using Jio’s extensive 4G and 5G infrastructure, real-time warnings will be sent directly to travellers’ mobile phones as they approach identified danger zones such as accident-prone junctions, stray-cattle crossings, low-visibility fog areas, and temporary route diversions. Alerts will be issued through SMS, WhatsApp notifications, and high-priority call alerts, ensuring maximum reach and timely response.

This digital safety system will be integrated in phases with NHAI platforms, including the RajmargYatra app and the emergency helpline 1033, enabling a unified digital safety ecosystem. The technology will work automatically for all Jio users traveling on or near national highways—without requiring additional roadside installations, enabling rapid deployment nationwide.

Speaking on the initiative, NHAI Chairman Santosh Kumar Yadav said the project represents a significant milestone in road-safety modernization. “By providing timely and reliable information, commuters will be empowered to make informed driving decisions well in advance. This project will be a benchmark for tech-enabled safety on Indian highways,” he stated.

Reliance Jio President Jyotindra Thacker emphasized that leveraging telecom networks for road safety is a powerful example of digital inclusion, citing Jio’s 500-million-plus subscriber base capable of receiving automated safety alerts at scale.

A pilot rollout will begin under selected NHAI regional offices to fine-tune risk detection models, geo-alerts, and intervention thresholds. The system will be fully compliant with India’s telecom regulations and data protection guidelines.

While Reliance Jio is the first collaborator, NHAI confirmed that similar partnerships will be pursued with other telecom operators to ensure universal coverage for all road users, irrespective of mobile network.

This initiative aligns with India's broader push toward smart mobility solutions, including FASTag adoption, AI-based traffic surveillance, and the eventual rollout of intelligent transportation systems under the Vision Zero Accidents mission. By merging communication technology with transportation safety, NHAI aims to significantly reduce preventable highway accidents and make road travel safer, smarter, and more efficient.