According to an official statement from the Government of India, the system was inaugurated on May 2, 2026, by Union Home Minister Amit Shah alongside Union Communications Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia. The newly introduced platform, named SACHET, an acronym for the Integrated Alert System, has been developed by the Centre for Development of Telematics, known as C-DOT, the premier research and development institution under the Department of Telecommunications. The system is built on the Common Alerting Protocol recommended by the International Telecommunication Union and is currently operational across all 36 states and union territories of India.
Authorities have already utilised the platform to deliver more than 134 billion SMS-based alerts in over 19 Indian languages during natural disasters, severe weather events, and cyclonic conditions. The introduction of Cell Broadcast technology marks a major advancement over traditional SMS alerts, significantly enhancing the speed and reach of emergency communications.
Unlike conventional messaging systems, Cell Broadcast alerts are designed for immediate attention. Once activated, they override standard mobile settings, including silent and do-not-disturb modes, producing a distinctive alarm sound along with a prominent on-screen warning. This ensures rapid dissemination of critical information even when devices are not actively in use or are muted.
The system is intended for use during a wide range of emergencies, including natural disasters such as earthquakes, tsunamis, and lightning strikes, as well as industrial and environmental hazards including gas leaks and chemical incidents. Officials stated that once fully operationalised, the Cell Broadcast system will be capable of sending alerts to all mobile handsets simultaneously, regardless of individual device settings, ensuring maximum public reach during crises.
The nationwide rollout of this technology represents a significant step toward strengthening India’s disaster preparedness and emergency response infrastructure, enabling faster communication and broader public safety coverage during critical situations.
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