India's Argument for Cellular Vehicle-to-Everything (C-V2X): The Reason to Act Immediately

India's Argument for Cellular Vehicle-to-Everything (C-V2X): The Reason to Act Immediately

India Embraces Cellular Vehicle-to-Everything (C-V2X) Technology for Safer Roads and Improved Traffic Management

India is moving towards the widespread deployment of Cellular Vehicle-to-Everything (C-V2X) technology, a communication-based safety solution that could revolutionise road safety and traffic management in the country.

The automotive industry in India is rapidly adopting connected vehicle technologies, including C-V2X, driven by advancements in 5G and eSIM technologies, growing data regulations, and global standards. The connected car market in India was valued at about USD 4.3 billion in 2024 and is forecasted to grow annually by approximately 19.1% up to 2033 [1].

India is also strengthening its semiconductor manufacturing and chip design capabilities to support these technologies, with new fabrication plants and semiconductor investments progressing that will aid indigenous production for automotive applications [3].

Safety and Traffic Benefits

C-V2X offers substantial benefits by enhancing road safety, reducing accidents and fatalities, and improving traffic flow through real-time, vehicle-to-everything communication [1][2][3][4][5]. By providing vehicles with early warnings of hazards, invisible obstacles, or sudden braking of other vehicles, C-V2X significantly reduces collision risks. Research indicates it could reduce road traffic fatalities by up to 80% by alerting drivers in advance [2].

Moreover, C-V2X supports optimised velocity control at intersections, reduction of traffic jams, and smoother traffic flow, improving overall management and reducing congestion [5]. The technology also helps navigate complex intersections and notify drivers about hazardous road conditions, providing real-time congestion data to enable smarter routing decisions and preventing incident-related bottlenecks.

Implementation and Adoption

The implementation of C-V2X in India is at an emerging and promising stage, aligned with the country’s broader push towards connected vehicles and 5G adoption. To facilitate mass adoption, India should consider license-exempting the safety spectrum for C-V2X, following the example of China, Europe, Korea, and Canada, where V2X devices operate without a license [1].

It is crucial for policymakers, regulators, and public infrastructure planners to work together to move C-V2X from pilot discussions to large-scale deployment in India. Two-wheelers alone account for nearly 45% of road deaths and over 28% of fatality-causing offences, making it essential to install low-cost V2X transmitters on all new motorcycles to make India's most vulnerable vehicles more visible [1].

Equipping emergency and heavy vehicles (like ambulances, police vehicles, trucks, and buses) with V2X for real-time signal control and early alerts can also significantly improve road safety [1].

Regulations and Incentives

Bharat NCAP, launched in 2023, could award points for V2X, affecting automakers' safety ratings and sales [1]. Optimising signal timing to improve flow, reduce idle times, and lower emissions can further support sustainable urban mobility [1].

Consistency in shared standards, uniform interfaces, and interoperable alerts across cities and states is crucial for C-V2X infrastructure development in India. Adopting the mindset of "Vision Zero" (no road fatality is acceptable) could help India address its urgent safety challenges in a practical and scalable way [1].

In 2022, India recorded 168,491 road fatalities and over 443,000 reported injuries. Experts estimate that an additional 2 to 3 million injuries likely go unreported every year [1]. V2X can detect and warn about potential collisions, alert drivers when emergency vehicles are approaching, and provide real-time congestion data, making roads safer for all users.

Equipping urban traffic signals with C-V2X radios can send I2V alerts such as red-light violation warnings, slippery road conditions, or lane closure notifications, further improving road safety and traffic management.

In summary, C-V2X offers substantial benefits for road safety, traffic management, and sustainable urban mobility in India. With the technology, automotive industry familiarity, and global playbook available, a coordinated push from policymakers, regulators, and public infrastructure planners is needed to move C-V2X from pilot discussions to large-scale deployment in India.

1. Science has a significant role in the advancement of Cellular Vehicle-to-Everything (C-V2X) technology, which aims to transform road safety and traffic management in India.
2. Medical-conditions and chronic diseases like chronic kidney disease, cancer, respiratory conditions, digestive health issues, eye-health problems, hearing impairments, and skin conditions may not be directly linked to C-V2X technology, but they are crucial aspects of health and wellness that should not be overlooked.
3. Autoimmune disorders, such as lupus and rheumatoid arthritis, are complex conditions affecting a person's immune system, and their management requires careful attention and research.
4. Climate change plays a worrying role in our world, impacting various aspects, including cardiovascular health, as temperature fluctuations can exacerbate existing heart conditions.
5. The implementation of C-V2X is not limited to the automotive industry alone; it requires collaboration with various sectors, including environmental science, finance, energy, and technology industries.
6. The industry's growth is influenced by factors like advancing 5G and eSIM technologies, growing data regulations, and global standards.
7. Neurological disorders, such as Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and multiple sclerosis, need continued attention and investment to develop effective treatments and improve the quality of life for those affected.
8. As C-V2X technology develops, it's essential to consider how it interacts with and contributes to climate change and our environment.
9. Research is underway to understand how C-V2X can help with cardiovascular health, perhaps by detecting early signs of heart attacks or other life-threatening conditions.
10. The adoption of C-V2X technology is influenced by various factors, including industry acceptance, consumer demand, and safety regulations.
11. Infrastructure development, investments, and standards are vital for ensuring the successful deployment of C-V2X and supporting India's push towards connected vehicles and 5G adoption.
12. Data and cloud computing play a crucial role in the effective deployment and management of C-V2X technology, with real-time data analysis enabling improved traffic flow and accident prevention.
13. Personal-finance management is an essential aspect of managing one's well-being, and it can help individuals make informed decisions when investing in emerging technologies like C-V2X.
14. C-V2X technology has potential implications for health-and-wellness initiatives, as it can provide real-time data on weather conditions, which may affect certain medical-conditions and chronic diseases.
15. Sports and activities like football (NFL and MLB), soccer, baseball, hockey, golf, sports-betting, basketball, racing (American football, NASCAR, Formula 1, Mixed Martial Arts), and tennis can provide opportunities for data collection and analysis using C-V2X technology, enhancing sports-analysis and weather-forecasting capabilities.
16. The widespread deployment of C-V2X technology in vehicles can facilitate better weather-forecasting and weather-related traffic management, potentially saving lives during emergencies like severe storms or heavy fog.
17. Auto-racing, with its high speeds and intricate safety requirements, could particularly benefit from C-V2X technology, enhancing real-time safety features and driver communication.
18. Mixed-martial-arts events can use C-V2X technology to monitor fighters' vital signs during matches, providing critical data for the safety and well-being of athletes.
19. Sports-betting platforms, with their real-time data requirements, could utilize C-V2X technology to enhance user experience and accuracy in odds calculations, making the experience more engaging and trustworthy.
20. The growth of the automotive industry, fueled by advancements in technology like C-V2X, has significant implications for the broader economy and employment opportunities, particularly in research, development, manufacturing, and service sectors.
21. Businesses, both large and small, can capitalize on the C-V2X technology boom by investing in related products, services, or applications, and positioning themselves as leaders in the new, connected-vehicle landscape.
22. Multinational corporations and governments can collaborate in various ways, leveraging each other's expertise and resources to accelerate the development and adoption of C-V2X technology worldwide.
23. C-V2X technology, despite its many benefits, is not without challenges, including data privacy, security, and integration concerns, which must be addressed to ensure its successful deployment and sustainable development for the future.

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