Vehicle-to-Vehicle (V2V) communication technology

Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari has announced that India will roll out Vehicle-to-Vehicle (V2V) communication technology, a move expected to significantly reduce road accidents. The technology enables vehicles to directly communicate with each other and issue automatic safety warnings to drivers.

How V2V Technology Works

• Vehicles exchange real-time safety alerts directly with one another
• Operates without using mobile or internet networks
• Works across the front, rear and sides of vehicles
• Factors in terrain, road curves and blind spots, enabling alerts even when hazards are outside the driver’s line of sight
• Allows warnings in conditions such as poor visibility, sharp curves or hidden obstructions

Integration with ADAS

• V2V will be integrated with Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS)
• Enhances ADAS effectiveness by enabling early and automatic intervention
• Adds an extra safety layer by warning vehicles about non-visible hazards

Cost and Implementation Plan

• Estimated cost: ₹5,000–₹7,000 per vehicle
• Government is finalising standards and regulations
• Installation to be mandatory in new vehicles first, followed by retrofitting in older vehicles
• Full implementation targeted within the current year

Free Spectrum Support

• The Department of Telecommunications will provide free spectrum under the National Frequency Allocation Plan
• This will allow vehicle manufacturers and on-board unit makers to deploy the system without additional spectrum costs

Global Context and Road Ahead

• V2V technology is already deployed in a few countries worldwide
• While its potential to strengthen road safety is significant, its real-world effectiveness will depend on performance in India’s complex on-road social and traffic conditions