NHAI Launches Pilot for Real-Time Stray Cattle Safety Alert on National Highways

As a part of road safety initiatives to commemorate ‘Road Safety Month 2026’ and reduce accidents caused by sudden cattle movement on National Highways, NHAI in collaboration with telecom service providers, has launched a pilot initiative to deliver real-time safety alerts to National Highway users approaching stray cattle–prone zones.

Launch:
The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has rolled out a pilot project to provide real-time alerts about stray cattle on national highways.

Objective:
To enhance road safety and reduce accidents caused by unexpected cattle movement on highways.

Technology Used:
- AI-powered cameras and sensors installed along stretches of highways. - These detect stray cattle presence and send instant alerts to drivers via the Rajmargyatra mobile app and electronic signboards.

Pilot Coverage:
Currently being tested on select high-traffic corridors where stray cattle incidents are frequent.

Driver Benefits:
- Early warning allows drivers to slow down or change lanes safely.
- Reduces risk of collisions, protecting both commuters and animals.

Future Plans:
- If successful, the system will be scaled up across more highways.
- Integration with FASTag ecosystem and traffic management systems is being explored.

Why This Matters
- Safety First: Stray cattle are a major cause of accidents on Indian highways.
- Innovation in Infrastructure: Shows how AI and IoT are being applied to solve real-world road safety challenges.
- Public Confidence: Safer highways encourage smoother travel and boost tourism and logistics efficiency.

This pilot is part of NHAI’s broader push toward smart highways, combining digital technology with infrastructure to make travel safer and more efficient.