Union Minister of Communications Jyotiraditya Scindia on Sunday launched the Cell Broadcast System (CBS), an indigenous public alert technology developed by the Centre for Development of Telematics (C-DOT) under the Department of Telecommunications (DoT), in coordination with the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) and the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), under the guidance of Union Home Minister Amit Shah.
The rollout is being positioned as a major upgrade to India’s disaster communication infrastructure, with officials highlighting its ability to deliver real-time, geo-targeted alerts to mobile users across the country.
Senior officials present at the launch included Union Home Secretary Govind Mohan, Telecom Secretary Amit Agrawal, NDRF Director General Piyush Anand, NDMA Secretary Manish Bhardwaj, Additional Secretary (MHA) Anuj Sharma, and NDMA Member Krishna Vatsa.
© PIBAddressing the event, Scindia said, “The launch of the Cell Broadcast System marks a transformative step in India’s disaster management framework, reflecting our shift from a reactive to a proactive approach in safeguarding citizens. By leveraging advanced telecom technologies, CBS enables near real-time, geo-targeted alerts to reach millions instantly, ensuring that no individual is left behind. This indigenous, globally benchmarked solution strengthens our preparedness, enhances response capabilities, and reinforces our commitment to building a safer, more resilient India.”
A presentation on disaster preparedness and NDMA initiatives was also made to the minister by Additional Secretary Anuj Sharma.
How CBS works
The Cell Broadcast System is designed as a telecom-enabled public warning platform that allows authorities to send simultaneous alerts to mobile devices within a defined geographic area. Integrated with the CAP-based SACHET platform, it enables rapid and standardised dissemination of emergency messages.
Unlike traditional SMS alerts, CBS does not depend on queued delivery systems. Messages are pushed instantly to all devices connected to specific cell towers, ensuring speed and scale during emergencies.
As part of the launch, a nationwide test was conducted, with alert messages broadcast across mobile networks, accompanied by a distinct alarm tone. Officials described this as a critical milestone in ensuring timely communication during disasters.
Key features
CBS enables precise geo-targeting down to individual cell towers or clusters, while also allowing expansion to cover larger regions. Alerts are delivered within seconds, unaffected by network congestion, and cannot be disabled by users.
Messages appear as high-priority pop-up notifications, often accompanied by loud tones and, on supported devices, read-aloud functionality. The system supports multilingual messaging and works across 2G to 5G networks, ensuring reach in both urban and remote areas.
Authorities say the system is particularly critical for fast-onset disasters such as flash floods, gas leaks, and other emergencies where seconds matter.
National rollout and global alignment
Pan-India trials of CBS under the SACHET platform have already been completed, with training conducted across all states and Union Territories. Officials said the system has been used in disaster scenarios in Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, and Uttarakhand, and is currently deployed for the Char Dham Yatra.
C-DOT has also demonstrated the system internationally in countries including Mauritius, Cambodia, El Salvador, and Sri Lanka. The rollout aligns with the United Nations’ “Early Warnings for All” initiative.
Marking a major leap in strengthening our nation’s emergency response, launched a nationwide mobile-based disaster communication system, the Cell Broadcasting Solution developed under the guidance of hon’ble Home Minister Sh @AmitShah ji, by @cdot_india in collaboration with… pic.twitter.com/hOa2IQ7Npd
— Jyotiraditya M. Scindia (@JM_Scindia) May 2, 2026
Awards and releases
During the event, the Subhash Chandra Bose Aapda Prabandhan Puraskar was conferred on individuals and organisations for their contribution to disaster management. Guidelines and a handbook on disaster management were also released.
Officials said the CBS rollout is expected to strengthen public trust by enabling direct, official communication during crises while reducing panic and improving response coordination.
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