Vehicle-to-Everything (V2X) Communication Systems
Vehicle-to-Everything (V2X) communication is ushering in the next era of transport innovation by enabling real-time, bidirectional communication between vehicles and their surrounding ecosystem. This includes communication with other vehicles (V2V), infrastructure (V2I), networks (V2N), pedestrians (V2P), and the cloud (V2C). This multi-layered communication environment facilitates collaborative traffic behavior and forms the foundation of connected and autonomous mobility.
In India, V2X is emerging as the fastest growing ITS domain, expected to grow at a CAGR of 14.79% through 2047. Pilot deployments in Maharashtra, Delhi, and Tamil Nadu have demonstrated early benefits in signal prioritization, emergency vehicle routing, and pedestrian safety zones. With road fatalities in India exceeding 150,000 per year, V2X holds transformative potential for accident reduction.
Context
Technologies such as Dedicated Short Range Communication (DSRC) and Cellular-V2X (C-V2X) are currently being evaluated for nationwide deployment. DSRC enables low-latency exchanges with traffic signals and roadside units, while C-V2X, aided by 5G, allows data exchange between vehicles and cloud systems for navigation, hazard alerts, and system updates.
Technologies such as Dedicated Short Range Communication (DSRC) and Cellular-V2X (C-V2X) are currently being evaluated for nationwide deployment. DSRC enables low-latency exchanges with traffic signals and roadside units, while C-V2X, aided by 5G, allows data exchange between vehicles and cloud systems for navigation, hazard alerts, and system updates.
In commercial logistics, V2X is expected to revolutionize fleet coordination. Real-time tracking of trucks, automated tolling, and predictive maintenance alerts will enhance efficiency and reduce downtime. Urban freight corridors are prime candidates for V2V and V2I implementation, particularly in Tier I cities where congestion and route unpredictability reduce freight margins.
Moreover, V2X plays a vital role in enabling Level 2 and Level 3 autonomous driving capabilities. Vehicles can receive real-time information on signal phases, pedestrian crossings, and even road surface conditions, which greatly enhances driver assistance systems. Urban testing zones in Pune and Hyderabad are experimenting with these technologies, working with OEMs and telecom providers to establish proof-of-concept corridors.
Challenges
Challenges include high cost of onboard units, lack of unified national standards, and spectrum allocation policies. However, the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme under Make in India is already stimulating domestic development of communication modules and sensors, potentially bringing down costs over the next five years.
Future Outlook
By 2030, V2X is expected to be an embedded feature in all newly manufactured smart vehicles, especially with OEMs like Tata, Mahindra, and Ashok Leyland collaborating on vehicle connectivity. India’s vision of zero-accident mobility and seamless multimodal integration will rest heavily on the widespread adoption of V2X communication.
