Gadkari announces 30 GHz allocation for vehicle communication to cut road accidents
New Delhi: Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari said the Centre has allocated 30 GHz radio frequency for the development of vehicle-to-vehicle communication systems to reduce road accidents and fatalities across the country.
Gadkari made the announcement while chairing a meeting of the Consultative Committee of the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways on Friday. Ministers of State Harsh Malhotra and Ajay Tamta also attended the meeting, which focused on measures to reduce road accidents and deaths.
During the meeting, the Chairman of the National Highways Authority of India briefed members on steps taken to improve safety on national highways. Subsequently, the Additional Secretary (Transport) presented initiatives under the four pillars of road safety—engineering, enforcement, education and emergency care. The presentation also highlighted the use of AI-enabled road safety technologies developed in collaboration with IIT Kanpur.
Committee members acknowledged the initiatives but expressed concern over the continued high number of accidents and fatalities. They stressed the need for a coordinated and comprehensive approach that combines better engineering, stronger enforcement and wider public awareness.
Vehicle-to-vehicle communication among measures discussed by MoRTH panel
Members raised several issues, including rectification of accident black spots, widening of select highway stretches and availability of trauma care facilities. They also sought higher compensation for accident victims, better road maintenance and improved coordination with State governments on State highways.
The committee flagged irregular meetings of Members of Parliament Road Safety Committees at the district level. Members also pointed to poor road markings, inadequate signage and faulty reflectors. They suggested identifying landslide-prone locations similar to black spots and taking preventive measures. Other suggestions included introducing road safety in school curricula, setting up a Centre for Road Safety and establishing at least one trauma centre in every district.
Responding to these concerns, Gadkari said the allocation of 30 GHz spectrum by the Department of Telecommunications would support vehicle-to-vehicle communication technologies and help prevent accidents. He urged Members of Parliament to ensure regular district-level road safety meetings with the participation of collectors, police and public works officials.
The Minister said the ministry was incorporating road safety features while finalising detailed project reports. He directed MoRTH and NHAI officers to attend district safety meetings and ensure corrective measures in ongoing projects. He also said the Centre would share AI-based road safety applications with States and Union Territories.
Gadkari also unveiled the Road Safety Anthem, translated into 22 regional languages. He urged MPs to promote its use in schools, public events and community spaces. He reiterated the government’s commitment to building safer roads and saving lives.
