The Ministry of Communications (MoC) on May 02, 2026, notified regarding the launch of the Indigenous Cell Broadcast System for Real-Time Disaster Alerts.
The Government of India has launched a nationwide Cell Broadcast System (CBS) to strengthen disaster management and public safety. The system was inaugurated by Jyotiraditya Scindia and developed indigenously by Centre for Development of Telematics under the Department of Telecommunications, in collaboration with the National Disaster Management Authority and the Ministry of Home Affairs, guided by Amit Shah.
CBS is a telecom-based public warning system that enables authorities to send near real-time, geo-targeted alerts directly to mobile phones within specific areas. Integrated with the SACHET platform, it overcomes the limitations of traditional SMS by ensuring faster, simultaneous, and congestion-free delivery of emergency messages, even during network overload. Alerts appear as priority pop-ups with loud tones and can reach all users, including those roaming, across 2G to 5G networks.
A nationwide test of the system was successfully conducted, demonstrating its capability to broadcast emergency alerts instantly to millions. The system supports multilingual alerts and is designed to provide timely warnings for disasters such as floods, gas leaks, and other emergencies, thereby enabling quicker response and reducing panic.
The initiative marks a shift from a reactive to a proactive disaster response framework in India, enhancing preparedness, improving communication, and building public trust. CBS has already been tested across several states and even demonstrated internationally, aligning with global disaster warning initiatives.
[Release ID: 2257499]
