IRF advocates to lower GST on helmets from 18% to nil

13 Jun 2024 CW Team

KK Kapila, President Emeritus, IRF, stated, "IRF strongly recommends the elimination of GST on helmets. This will make standard helmets more affordable for the masses and discourage the purchase of low-quality helmets." He further highlighted that this initiative would not only reduce fatalities among two-wheeler riders but also contribute to decreasing the substantial GDP loss caused by road accidents in the economy.

Citing a Bosch report, IRF noted that India accounts for approximately 12% of global road accident fatalities, resulting in economic losses ranging from $15.71 billion to $38.81 billion. Two-wheeler riders, who constitute 31.4% of these fatalities, are particularly vulnerable due to head injuries. IRF underscored that mandating the use of standard helmets, as prescribed under Section 129 of the Central Motor Vehicle Act, 1988, and enforced by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways in collaboration with the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS), is crucial for reducing such injuries and deaths.

IRF pointed out that helmet usage in India remains low, especially among economically weaker and lower-income groups, who often opt for cheaper, inferior-quality helmets. This practice contributes significantly to head injuries and fatalities during accidents. (Source: ET Infra)

"Join industry leaders at RAHSTA Expo, India's premier platform for roads, highways and traffic infrastructure. Register now to explore innovations, network with experts and shape the future of mobility."

The International Road Federation (IRF), a global road safety organisation based in Geneva, has called upon the Goods & Service Tax (GST) council and the Ministry of Finance to eliminate the 18% GST on helmets. In a statement issued, IRF emphasised that abolishing GST on helmets would reduce their cost, making standard helmets more accessible to the general public. This move, IRF argues, would deter people from purchasing substandard helmets, thereby lowering the risk of head injuries and fatalities among two-wheeler riders involved in road accidents. KK Kapila, President Emeritus, IRF, stated, IRF strongly recommends the elimination of GST on helmets. This will make standard helmets more affordable for the masses and discourage the purchase of low-quality helmets. He further highlighted that this initiative would not only reduce fatalities among two-wheeler riders but also contribute to decreasing the substantial GDP loss caused by road accidents in the economy. Citing a Bosch report, IRF noted that India accounts for approximately 12% of global road accident fatalities, resulting in economic losses ranging from $15.71 billion to $38.81 billion. Two-wheeler riders, who constitute 31.4% of these fatalities, are particularly vulnerable due to head injuries. IRF underscored that mandating the use of standard helmets, as prescribed under Section 129 of the Central Motor Vehicle Act, 1988, and enforced by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways in collaboration with the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS), is crucial for reducing such injuries and deaths. IRF pointed out that helmet usage in India remains low, especially among economically weaker and lower-income groups, who often opt for cheaper, inferior-quality helmets. This practice contributes significantly to head injuries and fatalities during accidents. (Source: ET Infra)

Real Estate

29 Jun 2026

Omaxe to Invest Rs 62 Billion in Hospitality Expansion

Omaxe has announced the launch of a dedicated hospitality business vertical with plans to develop 19 hotels across five states over the next four to five years as part of its strategy to strengthen recurring revenues and expand its integrated development ecosystem.The real estate developer proposes to invest approximately Rs 62 billion, subject to regulatory approvals and market conditions, to develop nearly 5 million sq ft of hospitality assets across high-growth urban centres, pilgrimage destinations and transit corridors.The proposed portfolio will be integrated with Omaxe's existing townsh..

Infrastructure Transport

29 Jun 2026

Third Railway Line Between Tatanagar And Adityapur Likely By September

The third railway line between Tatanagar and Adityapur is expected to be commissioned by September as work on the corridor advances, according to railway sources. The project to add a fourth line on the busy route is progressing and has been allocated Rs 50.89 billion (bn) in funding. The allocation underscores the focus on increasing capacity and easing congestion on the corridor. Relevant timetables are being adjusted to integrate the new capacity into regular operations. Construction activity has involved track laying, formation work and signalling upgrades along strategic stretches, with m..

Infrastructure Transport

29 Jun 2026

Indian Railways Approves Rs 2.7 bn Kavach Rollout in Odisha

Indian Railways has approved a Rs 2.7 billion (Rs 2.7 bn) plan to install the Kavach train collision avoidance system on 631 route kilometres in the East Coast Railway zone. The Ministry of Railways said the work will form part of a wider Kavach deployment programme that relies on an LTE based communication backbone rather than a standalone installation. The approval marks the latest stage in the steady expansion of the indigenous safety technology across the national network. The decision aims to enhance safety and reliability on corridors serving Odisha and adjoining areas. The project will ..