NHAI Unveils Innovative Real-Time Alerts for Stray Cattle on Highways

The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has launched a pilot program to enhance road safety by providing real-time alerts to drivers about stray cattle on highways. This initiative, part of 'Road Safety Month 2026', aims to reduce accidents, especially in low-visibility conditions. Alerts will be sent via SMS and voice messages to warn motorists about potential hazards ahead. The pilot is currently being tested on specific highway corridors, with plans for expansion based on its effectiveness. Learn more about this innovative approach to improving safety on India's roads.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jan 14, 2026, 20:11 IST

New Initiative to Enhance Road Safety

New Delhi: In a bid to enhance road safety and mitigate accidents caused by unexpected cattle on National Highways, the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has partnered with telecom firms to introduce a pilot program that sends real-time alerts to drivers approaching areas known for stray cattle.

Launched in honor of 'Road Safety Month 2026', this initiative aims to decrease incidents related to cattle movement, especially during foggy or low-visibility conditions, as stated in an official announcement made on Wednesday.

The pilot is currently being tested on the Jaipur–Agra and Jaipur–Rewari National Highway routes, which have been flagged as high-risk for stray cattle encounters. The project will issue location-specific alerts to drivers, warning them about potential hazards approximately 10 kilometers ahead of these identified danger zones, allowing them time to adjust their driving.

During this pilot phase, safety messages will be communicated via Flash SMS in Hindi, advising drivers to reduce speed due to cattle presence ahead. This will be complemented by a voice alert reiterating the same caution. To avoid overwhelming users, alerts will not be repeated for the same individual within a 30-minute timeframe.

Utilizing advanced telecom technology, the initiative aims to provide timely and relevant safety information, thereby increasing driver awareness and improving overall safety on National Highways. Alerts will be generated based on historical accident data and field assessments to identify cattle-prone areas, utilizing upgraded telecom infrastructure.

Depending on the results and effectiveness of this pilot, the NHAI plans to consider expanding the program to additional regions prone to stray cattle, as part of its continuous efforts to enhance road safety and improve the experience for users on National Highways nationwide.