New Delhi: The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) has issued a draft notification proposing amendments to the Central Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989, paving the way for the phased implementation of Vehicle-to-Vehicle (V2V) communication systems in India. The move is aimed at improving road safety through connected vehicle technology and intelligent transportation systems.
Under the proposal, vehicles will be equipped with V2V systems capable of exchanging real-time information such as speed, position, direction, acceleration and braking status. This will enable vehicles to issue advance warnings in safety-critical situations, including sudden braking, forward-collision risks, unsafe lane changes and the approach of emergency vehicles.
The ministry said V2V technology goes beyond conventional safety systems by allowing vehicles to communicate even when hazards are outside the driver’s line of sight. It is expected to complement Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) and support accident prevention, connected mobility and future intelligent transport applications.
Phased Implementation Timeline
According to the draft notification:
- From October 1, 2027: Vehicles in categories L, M and N fitted with V2V communication systems must comply with the AIS-230 standard.
- From October 1, 2028: All newly manufactured vehicles in categories L, M and N will be required to be equipped with AIS-230-compliant V2V communication systems.
The ministry said the phased rollout will provide adequate time for vehicle manufacturers and other stakeholders to prepare for implementation.
Key Features of AIS-230
The AIS-230 standard lays down the minimum technical, functional, performance, environmental and cybersecurity requirements for V2V communication systems using Cellular Vehicle-to-Everything (C-V2X) technology in the 5.875 GHz to 5.925 GHz frequency band.
The standard covers requirements related to:
- Radio performance and frequency stability
- Receiver sensitivity and selectivity
- Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) positioning
- Electrical and power supply systems
- Electromagnetic compatibility
- Cybersecurity and secure communications
- Road safety application performance
It also supports phased deployment of safety features such as:
- Emergency Brake Alert
- Forward Collision Warning
- Wrong-Way Driving Alert
- Emergency Vehicle Alert
The Department of Telecommunications has already exempted the 5.875 GHz–5.925 GHz frequency band from licensing requirements for V2V and other Intelligent Transportation System applications, facilitating the deployment of the technology.
The ministry noted that the draft framework is based on recommendations of a dedicated Task Force on Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) and the Central Motor Vehicles Rules–Technical Standing Committee. It is expected to significantly enhance vehicle situational awareness, improve road safety and accelerate the adoption of connected vehicle technologies across the country.
The draft notification has been placed in the public domain, and comments and suggestions will be accepted for 30 days before the government considers issuing the final notification.