Critics of the proposed 2028 mandate warn that the plan may be overly ambitious given the current state of India’s road infrastructure. While the technology works well in controlled environments, skeptics point out that Indian roads often lack the consistent connectivity and standardized traffic signals required for V2X to function reliably. Without a massive, nationwide upgrade to road infrastructure, the communication modules in cars may find themselves in a digital vacuum.
There is also significant concern regarding the financial impact on the average consumer. Adding sophisticated communication hardware to every new car will inevitably drive up the purchase price, potentially making personal mobility less affordable for the middle class. Critics argue that the government should focus on improving basic road maintenance, signage, and driver education before mandating expensive, high-tech solutions that may not be fully utilized.
Privacy and cybersecurity experts have also raised alarms about the data generated by these vehicles. A network of 'talking' cars creates a massive repository of location and movement data, which could be vulnerable to hacking or misuse. Ensuring the security of this information requires a robust legal framework that does not yet exist in the country, leaving consumers exposed to potential digital threats.
Finally, some industry analysts suggest that the 2028 timeline is too tight for the automotive sector to overhaul its supply chains. They suggest that a more gradual, voluntary rollout would be more effective than a hard mandate. By forcing the issue, the government risks creating a market where consumers are forced to pay for features that provide limited value until the rest of the country catches up.