Vehicles Will Soon ‘Talk’ to Each Other in India! Centre Plans Mandatory V2V Technology to Boost Road Safety

New Delhi: In a major step towards making Indian roads safer and smarter, the Central Government is planning to make Vehicle-to-Vehicle (V2V) communication technology mandatory in new vehicles. The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) has released a draft notification proposing the phased implementation of this advanced safety system, which will enable vehicles to communicate with each other in real time.

What is V2V Technology?
Vehicle-to-Vehicle (V2V) communication is a wireless technology that allows nearby vehicles to exchange real-time information such as speed, location, direction, braking, and acceleration. If a vehicle ahead suddenly brakes, changes lanes, or meets with an accident, nearby vehicles instantly receive an alert, giving drivers valuable reaction time and helping prevent collisions.

V2V Will Complement, Not Replace ADAS
The government has clarified that V2V technology is designed to work alongside Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) rather than replace them. By combining vehicle-to-vehicle communication with cameras, radars, and sensors, the overall safety of vehicles is expected to improve significantly.

To support the technology, the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has allocated the 5.875 GHz to 5.925 GHz frequency band for secure and high-speed communication between vehicles.

When Will It Become Mandatory?
As per the draft notification, V2V technology is proposed to become mandatory for all newly manufactured vehicles in the following categories from October 1, 2028:

• L Category: Two-wheelers and three-wheelers
• M Category: Cars, buses, and other passenger vehicles
• N Category: Trucks and light commercial vehicles

Vehicles already equipped with V2V systems will be required to comply with the new technical standards from October 1, 2027. The phased rollout aims to give automobile manufacturers and component suppliers adequate time to prepare.

Global Adoption of V2V Technology
Connected vehicle technologies such as V2V and V2X (Vehicle-to-Everything) are already being tested or deployed on a limited scale in countries including China, Japan, the United States, and several European nations. China is currently considered a global leader in connected vehicle technology, while Japan is actively expanding its V2X ecosystem.

Privacy and Data Security Concerns
The government says the system will exchange only operational vehicle data such as speed and location, without sharing personal information like the driver’s name or mobile number. However, experts have called for robust regulations to prevent misuse of travel data and unauthorized third-party access.

Could Vehicle Prices Increase?
Industry experts believe integrating V2V technology may increase manufacturing costs, which could slightly raise vehicle prices. However, the potential to significantly reduce road accidents and improve traffic safety makes it a critical technology for the future of mobility in India.