Abstract
Vehicle-to-Everything (V2X) communication reshaping intelligent transportation systems (ITS) by enabling vehicles to interact seamlessly with other vehicles, infrastructure, pedestrians, and networks, acting like a digital traffic conductor for smarter, safer roads. This review synthesizes 100 open-access studies from 2018–2025 to explore V2X’s technologies, applications, challenges, and future prospects. Key technologies, including Dedicated Short-Range Communication (DSRC), Cellular V2X (C-V2X), and 5G/6G-based V2X, are analyzed, with C-V2X showing superior scalability and reliability for dense networks [7], [12], [57]. Applications span collision avoidance and traffic flow optimization in India’s bustling cities [5], [8], [15] to cooperative autonomous driving and smart city integration worldwide [51], [59], [78]. However, challenges like cybersecurity vulnerabilities [9], [29], limited spectrum availability [16], and inconsistent global standards [23] hinder widespread adoption. In India, V2X tackles unique issues like heterogeneous traffic and unregulated road behaviors [1], [13], while global efforts focus on universal protocols and 6G’s ultra-low latency [53], [80]. Looking forward, artificial intelligence-driven V2X systems [18], [84] and blockchain-based security frameworks [22], [88] promise to enhance efficiency and trust in ITS. This review underscores the need for localized solutions in India and harmonized global standards, offering a roadmap for researchers, engineers, and policymakers to unlock V2X’s potential for sustainable, connected mobility. By bridging Indian and global insights, it aims to inspire innovations that make roads safer and cities smarter.