NHAI, Reliance Jio tie up to launch mobile-based safety alert system on highways

The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has signed an agreement with Reliance Jio to roll out a telecom-based safety alert system across national highways.

Under the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), travellers using Jio’s 4G and 5G network will receive advance alerts on their mobile phones as they approach accident-prone stretches, fog-hit areas, stray-cattle zones and emergency diversions.

Alerts will be delivered through SMS, WhatsApp and high-priority calls, the road ministry said on Tuesday.

The system will be integrated in phases with NHAI’s digital platforms, including the Rajmargyatra mobile application and emergency helpline 1033, allowing users to adjust speed and driving behaviour well in advance.

NHAI said the automated alert mechanism will work for all Jio mobile subscribers on or near the national highway network, without the need for additional roadside hardware.

The solution leverages Jio’s existing telecom towers and its nationwide subscriber base of over 500 million.

“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,” NHAI Chairman Santosh Kumar Yadav said.

“I am sure that this initiative will set a new benchmark in technology-enabled road safety management on National Highway,” he added.

Jyotindra Thacker, President at Reliance Jio, said the partnership would use the company’s wide network reach to deliver safety alerts at scale, contributing to safer and more informed National Highway travel.

The pilot phase will begin under select NHAI regional offices to refine risk-zone mapping and alert thresholds. The initiative will comply with all regulatory and data-protection norms, according to a government release.

The ministry said that NHIA will undertake similar collaborations with other telecom operators.

“By combining robust digital infrastructure with real-time communication tools, the initiative will help to significantly enhance commuter awareness and reduce preventable road incidents. NHAI remains committed to adopt innovative, scalable solutions that will enable safer, smarter and more efficient National Highway travel across the country,” it added.