Mandate for six airbags no longer necessary according to the Transport Minister
Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways, Nitin Gadkari, has announced that the mandate for six airbags in cars is no longer necessary. This announcement comes in conjunction with the launch of the Bharat New Car Assessment Programme (BNCAP), which will come into effect on 1st October, 2023, and is based on the latest Global NCAP standards.
The BNCAP protocols represent a pivotal shift in the approach to vehicular safety standards in India. Under these protocols, cars will be required to feature six airbags to achieve 4- or 5-star safety rating. Minister Gadkari believes that this new approach eliminates the need for mandating six airbags in all vehicles, as it encourages Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) to voluntarily offer this critical safety feature.
One of the key drivers behind this change in stance is the notable shift in market dynamics. Manufacturers who have chosen to equip their vehicles with six airbags are experiencing increased market share, while those who have been reluctant to adopt this trend are facing challenges in terms of sales.
It’s essential to recall that Minister Gadkari had initially pushed for the mandatory inclusion of six airbags in all new cars as a measure to enhance vehicle safety. In January 2022, the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) had issued a draft notification proposing this mandate. However, the proposal encountered strong opposition from the automotive industry, notably from Maruti Suzuki India, India’s largest carmaker, which cited affordability concerns for its entry-level models.
Due to the lack of industry consent and preparedness, the regulation’s implementation was deferred by 12 months from its original deadline of 1st October, 2022. The ministry also had to reissue a draft notification for the proposal to be implemented.
The move towards voluntary adoption of six airbags aligns with the changing preferences of consumers who increasingly value safety in their vehicles. As the BNCAP safety tests come into effect, manufacturers are expected to respond to this demand by offering enhanced safety features, which will ultimately benefit car buyers across India.
