New Delhi : Highway drivers may soon be able to tune in to updates on traffic, route, eateries and the weather, thanks to a road ministry initiative that could go a long way in easing driving anxiety on the country’s thoroughfares.
The road transport ministry wants to start its highway radio advisory service on three radio frequencies. For this it has approached the information and broadcasting ministry, a senior official said, adding that the pilot project is expected on the Delhi-Jaipur highway. “We want to start the project on a pilot basis once we have the spectrum and other requirements,” the official said.
Once the road ministry gets the spectrum allocated for the radio stations, it will float tender inviting private players to operate the service, the official added. A meeting between the officials of the two ministries to discuss availability of spectrum on the Delhi-Jaipur highway is likely soon.
The initiative is part of the government’s plan to build an intelligent transport system that addresses concerns regarding environment pollution and road safety through enhanced data collection. Highway radio advisories, common in developed nations, play a crucial role in driving safety.
“Flow of information about the highway to the user would bring in preparedness for most eventualities.
