Parliament Question: Adoption of NavIC-enabled Devices across Various Sectors

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA DEPARTMENT OF SPACE LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 6138 TO BE ANSWERED ON WEDNESDAY, APRIL 01, 2026 ADOPTION OF NAVIC-ENABLED DEVICES ACROSS VARIOUS SECTORS

6138. SHRI M K RAGHAVAN:

Will the PRIME MINISTER be pleased to state:

(a) whether the Government has taken steps to increase the adoption of NavIC-enabled devices across sectors such as transportation, logistics, fisheries, disaster management and agriculture, if so, the details thereof;

(b) whether the Government proposes to mandate NavIC compatibility in all smartphones and navigation devices sold in the country and if so, the timeframe fixed for full implementation;

(c) whether the Government plans to introduce dual-frequency (L1/L5) NavIC services to improve civilian navigation accuracy comparable to global systems like GPS and if so, the progress made so far;

(d) whether any financial assistance or incentives are being

provided to domestic manufacturers for developing NavIC chipsets, receivers and modules and if so, the details thereof; and(e) whether the Government has taken steps to improve the international acceptance and interoperability of NavIC with other Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS) and if so, the details thereof? ANSWER MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF PERSONNEL, PUBLIC GRIEVANCES & PENSIONS AND IN THE PRIME MINISTER’S OFFICE (DR. JITENDRA SINGH):

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(a) Yes. Government has taken steps to increase the adoption of NavIC enabled devices across sectors such as transportation, logistics, fisheries, disaster management and agriculture.

1. Real-time train tracking: more than 10,400 trains are equipped with NavIC enabled tracking devices,

2. Fishing vessel tracking: 41,000+ vessels are equipped with NavIC enabled transponders,

3. Tracking of public & commercial vehicles: 140+ device models certified and fitted in 15 Lakhs+ vehicles,

4. NavIC is also being used for providing safety-of-life alert messages during natural disasters.

(b) Government has not mandated NavIC yet. Discussions are ongoing regarding this possibility.

(c) Yes. Government plans to introduce dual-frequency (L1/L5) NavIC services to improve civilian navigation accuracy. NVS series of satellites, starting from NVS-01 launched in May 2023, will broadcast L1 signal along with legacy L5 and S signals.(d) Government has undertaken activities related to pilot projects, technology transfer to Indian industry, technical support, testing support, utilisation programmes, etc. DoS has made efforts for inclusion of NavIC in national / international industry standards, thereby enabling efficient, consistent, and seamless adoption of NavIC in the products and solutions. MeitY has supported the design, manufacture, and supply of NavIC chipsets by Indian industry.

(e) Yes. Government regularly interacts and coordinates with other Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS) for ensuring compatibility and interoperability of NavIC signals with the other signals. The coordination takes place at multi-lateral and bi-lateral levels.

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