The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has released a consultation paper (30 April 2026) proposing a regulatory framework for Vehicle-to-Everything (V2X) communication, marking a key step toward building connected and intelligent transport systems in India.
The proposal is anchored in addressing India’s road safety challenge, with 1.73 lakh fatalities recorded in 2023, of which 92% were attributed to human error. V2X technology enables real-time communication between vehicles, infrastructure, pedestrians, and networks, allowing systems to anticipate risks and prevent accidents rather than react to them.
The paper proposes adopting Cellular V2X (C-V2X) over older Dedicated Short-Range Communications (DSRC) due to its scalability and 5G integration. TRAI recommends allocating 50 MHz in the 5.875–5.925 GHz band for V2X, with 30 MHz dedicated to Vehicle-to-Vehicle (V2V) and 20 MHz for Vehicle-to-Infrastructure (V2I) communications. The proposed ecosystem includes On-Board Units (OBUs) for vehicles and Roadside Units (RSUs) for highways.
On the regulatory side, TRAI suggests a light-touch licensing framework. Vehicle OBUs would operate under a license-exempt regime to enable rapid adoption, while RSUs would be assigned spectrum administratively with minimal charges, reflecting the public safety objective of the system.
Key Statistical and Policy Benchmarks
Road Safety Crisis: India reported 1.73 lakh fatalities in 2023; V2X targets reducing the 92% of accidents caused by human error.
Spectrum Allocation: Proposed 50 MHz in the 5.9 GHz band (5875–5925 MHz) for ITS.
Technology Choice: Preference for 3GPP C-V2X (LTE-V2X and 5G NR-V2X) over DSRC.
Licensing Framework: Administrative assignment for RSUs; license-exempt status for vehicle OBUs.
Economic Contribution: Automotive industry contributes 7.1% to India's GDP and 49% to manufacturing GDP.
Security Protocol: Adoption of PKI-based trust frameworks and ETSI standards for message authenticity and privacy.
What is "Vehicle-to-Everything (V2X)"?
V2X is a communication system that allows a vehicle to exchange real-time data with any entity that may affect it, including other vehicles, infrastructure, and pedestrians. Unlike traditional sensors like radar or cameras that "see" objects, V2X allows vehicles to "talk" to each other even through obstacles.
V2X encompasses Vehicle-to-Vehicle (V2V), Vehicle-to-Infrastructure (V2I), Vehicle-to-Network (V2N), and Vehicle-to-Pedestrian (V2P) communications.
For example, Vehicle-to-Vehicle (V2V) can alert a driver of a car braking hard several vehicles ahead, while Vehicle-to-Infrastructure (V2I) can warn of a red-light violation or an upcoming curve with low visibility. By providing 360-degree situational awareness, V2X acts as a digital safety net for vulnerable road users like cyclists and pedestrians.
What V2X Means for the Common Man
V2X technology works like a digital co-pilot, helping drivers detect risks they cannot see. Since 92% of road accidents in India are caused by human error, the system focuses on preventing mistakes before they happen. Vehicles can receive real-time alerts about sudden braking ahead or pedestrians at blind intersections, often before the driver can physically see the danger. By connecting with traffic infrastructure, V2X can also guide drivers on the optimal speed to catch green lights (GLOSA), reducing stop-and-go traffic and easing congestion. It further improves safety for pedestrians, cyclists, and two-wheelers by alerting drivers to their presence, even in blind spots. Over time, this leads to shorter travel times, lower fuel consumption, and better air quality.
What Will be Installed in Vehicles for V2X to Work?
For users, adoption is designed to be largely seamless. Most new vehicles are expected to come with factory-fitted On-Board Units (OBUs) integrated into the vehicle’s display and safety systems, with no separate license requirement. For existing vehicles, adoption may happen through retrofit options, such as plug-and-play devices similar to FASTag or dashcams that provide audio or visual alerts. In some cases, basic features may also be delivered through smartphone apps or software updates, allowing users to receive traffic and safety alerts via mobile networks without additional hardware.
Policy Relevance
Reduces Human Error Fatalities: With 92% of accidents in India caused by distraction or misjudgment, V2X automation provides real-time "pre-crash" alerts that can save thousands of lives annually.
Optimises Urban Mobility: Smart traffic management through V2I can reduce congestion and fuel consumption, supporting India's goals to cut greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from the transport sector.
Scales 5G Infrastructure: Adopting C-V2X allows India to leverage its rapid 5G rollout for advanced applications like "platooning" (vehicles driving closely together to save fuel) and autonomous driving.
Harmonises with Global Markets: Aligning spectrum with the 5.9 GHz international standard ensures that Indian automotive exports are globally compatible and benefit from economies of scale in component manufacturing.
Secures Data Privacy: By proposing a National Root CA and pseudonym certificates, the framework ensures that vehicle data is authenticated without compromising the driver's personal privacy.
Follow the Full Paper Here: TRAI Consultation Paper on V2X Communication Framework