As part of the ‘Road Safety Month 2026’ initiatives, NHAI, in collaboration with telecom providers, has launched a pilot program to deliver real-time alerts to National Highway users about zones prone to stray cattle, specifically on the Jaipur–Agra and Jaipur–Rewari corridors. The program aims to reduce accidents caused by sudden cattle movement, especially during low visibility. It includes location-based notifications sent approximately 10 km before high-risk areas via Flash SMS in Hindi and a subsequent voice alert, with safeguards to prevent alert fatigue. The system leverages advanced telecom technology and historical accident data to improve driver awareness.
Stray Cattle Safety Alert System
Success of the pilot may lead to expansion to other high-risk zones across the country The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has taken a major step toward improving road safety by launching a pilot project for a real-time stray cattle safety alert system on select national highway stretches. Stray animals, especially cattle, have long been a serious safety concern on Indian highways, contributing to thousands of accidents every year. With this new initiative, NHAI aims to use advanced technology to detect animal movement near highways and alert drivers instantly, reducing the risk of collisions and saving lives. This pilot reflects India’s broader shift toward.
Smart infrastructure and technology-driven transport solutions under national programs such as Digital India and Smart Mobility Stray cattle-related accidents are not only a traffic issue but also a social and economic challenge. High-speed corridors passing through rural and semi-urban areas often intersect with traditional cattle movement routes. Despite fencing and warning signboards, animals frequently wander onto highways, especially at night or during low-visibility conditions. Recognizing the limitations of conventional safety measures, NHAI has designed this pilot project to provide real-time alerts rather than relying solely on passive infrastructure.
Presence Or Movement Of Large
The real-time stray cattle alert system works by integrating smart sensors, thermal cameras, and artificial intelligence-based analytics along identified highway stretches. These devices continuously monitor roadside activity and detect the presence or movement of (India) large animals close to traffic lanes. Once an animal is detected, the system triggers instant alerts that are communicated to drivers through digital signboards, variable message displays, and potentially through connected vehicle systems in the future. This proactive approach ensures that drivers are warned in advance, allowing them to slow down or take evasive action in time.
One of the most significant advantages of this system is its ability to function effectively during night-time and poor weather conditions. Traditional visibility-based safety measures often fail during fog, heavy rain, or darkness, when animal movement becomes harder to detect. Thermal imaging and AI-powered monitoring address this gap by identifying heat signatures and movement patterns regardless of lighting conditions. This technological edge makes the system particularly suitable for accident-prone stretches where stray cattle incidents are frequent The pilot project is currently being implemented on selected national highway sections with a high history of animal-related accidents.
System Across Highways
NHAI will closely monitor performance indicators such as reduction in accident frequency, driver response time, system accuracy, and maintenance requirements. Based on the pilot’s success, the authority plans to scale up the system across highways in a phased manner. This data-driven expansion strategy ensures cost-effectiveness while maximizing safety outcomes, aligning with global best practices in intelligent transportation systems Beyond accident prevention, the real-time cattle alert system also contributes to animal welfare. Collisions with vehicles often result in severe injuries or death of animals, leading to ethical concerns and economic losses for local communities.
By preventing such accidents, the system helps protect livestock while maintaining smoother traffic flow. This balanced approach demonstrates how infrastructure development can coexist with rural livelihoods and environmental considerations, a key principle highlighted in several government Another important aspect of the initiative is its alignment with India’s vision for connected and smart highways. NHAI has already been experimenting with technologies such as automated toll collection, traffic monitoring cameras, and weather information systems. The stray cattle alert pilot complements these efforts by adding a critical safety layer focused.
Economic Impact of road accidents
On real-world Indian road conditions. Over time, such systems could be integrated into a centralized highway management platform, enabling authorities to respond quickly to incidents and optimize traffic control The economic impact of road accidents caused by stray animals is substantial, including vehicle damage, medical expenses, traffic delays, and legal disputes. By reducing accident rates, NHAI’s new system has the potential to lower these indirect costs significantly. Safer highways also encourage smoother logistics movement, benefiting freight transport and regional commerce Public awareness and stakeholder collaboration will play a crucial role in the success of this pilot.
NHAI is expected to work closely with state authorities, local administrations, and village communities to ensure effective implementation. While technology can provide alerts, long-term solutions may also involve better cattle management practices, designated animal crossings, and community engagement. When combined, these measures can create a safer and more sustainable highway ecosystem for all users In the long run, the real-time stray cattle safety alert system could become a model for addressing other region-specific road safety challenges across India. Similar sensor-based solutions may be adapted for pedestrian crossings, wildlife movement zones or fog-prone areas.
By embracing innovation tailored to local realities, NHAI is demonstrating how technology can enhance safety without compromising accessibility or development goals NHAI’s launch of a pilot real-time stray cattle safety alert system marks a significant milestone in India’s highway safety journey. It combines advanced technology, data-driven planning, and social sensitivity to address a (Road) long-standing issue on national highways. If the pilot delivers the expected results, it could transform how road safety is managed across the country, making highways safer for drivers while protecting animals and supporting sustainable infrastructure growth. As India continues to modernize its transport network.
Q1. What is the purpose of NHAI’s stray cattle safety alert system?
The system aims to reduce highway accidents by detecting stray cattle in real time and alerting drivers before a collision occurs.
Q2. How does the alert system work?
It uses sensors, thermal cameras, and AI-based analytics to detect animal movement and display instant warnings to drivers.
Q3. Where is the pilot project being implemented?
The pilot is being launched on selected national highway stretches with a high incidence of cattle-related accidents.
Q4. Will this system be expanded nationwide?
If the pilot is successful, NHAI plans to scale it across more highways in phases.
Q5. How does this initiative benefit both drivers and animals?
It improves road safety for motorists while preventing injuries and fatalities among stray cattle.
