Transport Vehicle Emission Norms, Safety Norms To Be Updated

Transport Vehicle Emission, Safety Norms — The government wants to transform the automotive scenario in our country

The Indian government has decided that transport vehicle emission norms need to be updated on a par with international standards along with safety features and has revealed it is in the process of implementing new regulations.

A statement released by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) read, “The government has embarked upon a transformational programme of implementing international standards of emission and safety measures in the transport vehicles.”

“As such, government is moving on the path of a long-term regulatory road map for the automobile industry to grow and increase its contribution to GDP,” it added.

It further stated that the ministry is looking to implement standards for Electronic Stability Control (ESC) and brake assist systems for relevant categories within the next two years.

“Draft notification has also been issued for electronic stability control systems for buses, which is likely to be brought into force by April 2023. We are contemplating higher level of safety for all categories of vehicles,” the statement said.

Also on the cards is introducing Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) for certain categories of vehicles. However, the time frame for that is very short as the government is contemplating on bringing it into force by October this year.

Moreover, standards have also been notified for vehicle dimensions and safety of construction equipment vehicles, apart from certain priority areas for international standardisation of transport vehicle emission norms and safety norms.

Apart from transport vehicles, the MoRTH statement also noted that notifications have already been issued about rules for side stands, foot rests and external projections of 2-wheelers, adding that these regulations will come into force soon.

These are much needed changes, as apart from bringing the standards higher, its main goal is to improve safety. They join the list of automobile regulations that are going to get upgraded and for which draft notifications have been issued, like ABS, airbags, reverse parking assist, crash standards, among several others.