NHAI signs MoU with Reliance Jio to introduce a telecom-based safety alert system across the National Highway network
With the increasing number of accidents on the National Highway, it has now become important to ensure the road safety of the National Highway travellers by providing them with timely and updated information, especially about the risky locations.
Considering this factor, the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Reliance Jio to introduce a telecom-based safety alert system across the National Highway network.
Using Jio’s existing 4G and 5G network, this telecom-based safety alert system will share advance warnings to travellers on their mobile phones as they approach identified risk locations such as accident-prone stretches, stray-cattle zones, fog-affected areas, and emergency diversions. This will help the drivers in adjusting speed and driving behaviour well in advance.
Alerts will be sent through SMS, WhatsApp, and high-priority calls to the National Highway users. The system will be integrated in a phased manner with NHAI’s digital platforms, including the Rajmargyatra mobile application and the emergency helpline number 1033.
Commenting on the initiative, NHAI Chairman Shri Santosh Kumar Yadav said, “This initiative marks an important step forward in providing timely and reliable information to commuters, enabling them to make informed decisions and adopt safer driving practices well in advance. I am sure that this initiative will set a new benchmark in technology-enabled road safety management on the National Highway.”
It is revealed that the automated system will work for all Jio mobile users on or near the National Highways and will provide early warning to National Highway commuters before they enter a hazardous zone. No additional roadside hardware will be needed for this deployment, as the solution is said to use existing telecom towers.
The initial pilot deployment will support risk-zone identification and alert thresholds under a few regional offices in NHAI. The initiative is said to fully comply with all applicable regulatory provisions and data-protection requirements. It is also said that NHAI will take similar exercise with other telecom service providers also.
