Technical Paper for 11<sup>TH</sup> SAE India International Mobility Conference Relevance of Autonomous Vehicles in the Indian Context

<div class="section abstract"><div class="htmlview paragraph">Autonomous vehicles (AVs) are positioned to revolutionize transportation, by eliminating human intervention through the use of advanced sensors and algorithms, offering improved safety, efficiency, and convenience. In India, where rapid urbanization and traffic congestion present unique challenges, AVs still hold a significant promise. This technical paper discusses the relevance of autonomous vehicles in the Indian context and the challenges that need to be addressed before the widespread adoption of autonomous vehicles in India. These challenges include the lack of infrastructure, concerns regarding road safety, software vulnerabilities, adaptability of change towards autonomous vehicles, and the management of traffic. The paper also highlights the government's initiatives to encourage the development and adoption of autonomous vehicles, ideology behind the legal framework and the required changes in terms of technological advancements, and urban planning. In a brief manner, this paper tends to mark up the factors impacting the economic and environmental aspects. The aim of this technical paper is to discuss about the adaptability of autonomous vehicles on Indian roads. Our vision for India incorporates autonomous vehicles (AVs) within a comprehensive mobility ecosystem. By seamlessly integrating AVs with public transportation and addressing last-mile connectivity, India has the opportunity to revolutionize its urban mobility while prioritizing inclusivity and sustainability. The paper concludes that while the adoption of autonomous vehicles in India faces significant challenges, the country's vast potential for road travel and the growing demand for sustainable transportation solutions make it a promising market for autonomous vehicles.</div></div>