NHAI, Reliance Jio ink pact for mobile safety alerts for NH commuters

• 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, travellers will receive warnings on their mobile phones as they approach identified risk locations such as accident-prone stretches, stray-cattle zones, fog-affected areas and emergency diversions.

• Alerts will be sent through SMS, WhatsApp and high-priority calls to National Highway users.

• The initiative aims to strengthen road safety by providing timely information to National Highway users, enabling them to adjust speed and driving behaviour well in advance. 

• The system will be integrated in a phased manner with NHAI’s digital platforms, including ‘Rajmargyatra’ mobile application and emergency helpline number 1033.

• The automated system will work for all Jio mobile users on or near the National Highways and provide early warning to National Highway commuters before they enter a hazardous zone. 

• The solution will use existing telecom towers and can be deployed quickly, without additional roadside hardware. 

• This strategic partnership will leverage Jio’s digital infrastructure, serving over 500 million subscribers in the country.

• The NHAI will take similar exercise with other telecom service providers as well. 

• By combining robust digital infrastructure with real-time communication tools, the initiative will help to significantly enhance commuter awareness and reduce preventable road incidents. 

(The author is a trainer for Civil Services aspirants.)