Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has released a consultation paper on the regulatory framework for Vehicle-to-Everything (V2X) communication, marking a critical step toward enabling connected, intelligent, and safer transportation systems in India.
Focus Areas of the Consultation
TRAI’s consultation centers on building a structured regulatory and spectrum ecosystem for V2X deployment. Key focus areas include spectrum allocation, licensing models, and technology standardization. The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has proposed allocating 30 MHz spectrum in the 5875–5905 MHz band for initial deployment, with an additional 20 MHz (5905–5925 MHz) reserved for future Intelligent Transport System (ITS) applications.
The framework also differentiates between On-Board Units (OBUs), which may operate under license-exempt conditions, and Roadside Units (RSUs), which would require authorization to ensure interference management and coordinated rollout.
Another major focus is the adoption of Cellular V2X (C-V2X) as the preferred national standard, aligning India with global technology evolution toward 5G and future 6G-enabled transport systems.
Market Conditions and Industry Drivers
India’s transport and automotive ecosystem provides a strong foundation for V2X adoption. The automotive sector contributes 7.1 percent to India’s GDP and 49 percent to manufacturing GDP, highlighting its economic significance.
The country’s road infrastructure has expanded significantly, with a total road network of 67 lakh km and national highways reaching 1.46 lakh km. The road freight market has crossed $150 billion, reflecting increasing demand for efficient logistics.
At the same time, road safety challenges remain severe. India recorded approximately 1.73 lakh road fatalities and 4.63 lakh injuries in 2023, underlining the urgent need for advanced safety technologies like V2X. Globally, 1.19 million people died in road accidents in 2021, with 93 percent of fatalities occurring in low- and middle-income countries.
Additionally, the transport sector accounts for about 20 percent of energy demand and 10 percent of greenhouse gas emissions, creating a strong sustainability case for intelligent mobility solutions.
Key Use Cases and Technology Scope
V2X enables real-time communication across multiple domains: vehicle-to-vehicle, vehicle-to-infrastructure, vehicle-to-pedestrian, and vehicle-to-network. These interactions support applications such as collision avoidance, traffic optimization, emergency response, and autonomous driving.
The technology ecosystem is evolving from legacy Dedicated Short Range Communication (DSRC) toward C-V2X, leveraging LTE and 5G networks for wider coverage, scalability, and integration with cloud and AI systems.
Key Challenges
Despite strong potential, several challenges need to be addressed:
India requires a clear spectrum management framework to balance shared usage, avoid interference, and ensure efficient deployment. The coexistence of DSRC and C-V2X technologies, along with evolving global standards, adds complexity to regulatory decisions.
Infrastructure readiness remains a major hurdle, particularly for large-scale deployment of RSUs across highways and urban corridors. The need for high capital investment and coordination among telecom operators, automotive OEMs, and government agencies could slow adoption.
Security and data privacy are critical concerns, as V2X systems rely on continuous data exchange between vehicles, infrastructure, and cloud networks. Ensuring secure communication frameworks and preventing cyber threats will be essential.
Interoperability across devices, networks, and international standards is another challenge, especially as India aligns with global ITS ecosystems.
Outlook
TRAI’s consultation signals a shift toward a connected mobility ecosystem powered by 5G, AI, and smart infrastructure. With increasing urbanization, rising vehicle density, and strong government focus on smart cities, V2X is expected to play a pivotal role in improving road safety, traffic efficiency, and sustainability.
The regulatory decisions emerging from this consultation will determine how quickly India can scale V2X adoption and position itself as a global leader in intelligent transport systems.
BABURAJAN KIZHAKEDATH