This is not fiction or a review of a sci-fi movie but India is now harnessing fast reliable radio frequency to avoid the risk of collision and is preparing to mandate new cars to be equipped with vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) communication technology, enabling automobiles to exchange real-time information using a dedicated 30 MHz radio spectrum. This move will be initiated with a fast reliable radio frequency to avoid the risk of collision.  

The initiation is expected to be implemented by the end of 2026. Instead of relying only on the driver reflexes, road signs or infrastructure-based alerts, vehicles themselves will become active participants in preventing accidents by continuously sharing data such as speed, direction, position and sudden braking events through a fast and dependable wireless network. 

The Department of Telecommunications has permitted in-principle approval for allocating 30 MHz of spectrum exclusively for V2V communication, ensuring low-latency, interference-free transmission of safety messages. This dedicated frequency band will allow vehicles to exchange alerts almost instantaneously, which is a crucial factor specifically when the reactions need to happen within a fraction of a second.  

The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways trusts that the technology could play a transformative role in addressing the India’s high accident burden and the collision scenarios could be handled by the way V2V systems are designed. 

Under the proposed framework, cars fitted with onboard communication units will broadcast short safety messages at regular intervals. Nearby vehicles receiving this data will process it using onboard software capable of assessing collision risk. If a possible potential hazard is detected, such as a vehicle braking sharply ahead, an unseen car approaching an intersection, or an emergency vehicle closing in etc., the drivers can be alerted through visual warnings, sounds or vibrations. 

Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari speaking after a two-day conference involving transport ministers and senior officials from 28 States and Union Territories said early warnings generated by connected vehicles could mainly improve the situational awareness for drivers on both highways and congested and some unpaved urban roads which are dangerous and accident-prone areas. 

The rollout of V2V technology is being discussed alongside a broader package of safety and mobility reforms. These include a pilot programme for cashless treatment of accident victims, enhanced compensation for hit-and-run cases, and the identification of 100 high-risk districts under the zero-fatality districts initiative, being implemented in collaboration with the Save Life Foundation.