Indian government drops mandatory 6 airbags rule for cars

15 Sep 2023 CW Team

Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari has reversed his earlier stance on the mandatory requirement for six airbags in passenger cars. In 2022, Gadkari had announced that the Indian Government would make it compulsory for passenger cars to have six airbags, with the rule scheduled to take effect in October 2023.

However, in a recent event in New Delhi, Gadkari stated, "We no longer intend to enforce the six airbags rule for cars. People are now more cautious, and they can choose cars with six airbags if they prefer. The decision is left to the manufacturers and the consumers."

Previously, on a social media platform (formerly Twitter) in September 2022, Union Minister Nitin Gadkari had posted, "Due to the global supply chain challenges faced by the auto industry and their impact on the overall economy, it has been decided to withdraw the proposal mandating a minimum of 6 Airbags in Passenger Cars (M-1 Category) starting from October 1, 2023."

It's important to note that the proposal never reached finalisation, and the Indian government has now rescinded the proposed regulation.

According to a Reuters report, the Indian government had estimated that adding four additional airbags would cost no more than $75 (₹6,221) per vehicle. However, auto market data provider JATO Dynamics claimed that it would increase costs by at least $231 (₹19,161).

As of April 1, 2021, vehicles manufactured are required to have airbags for both front seats. Airbags serve as a crucial safety feature in vehicles, preventing serious injuries by cushioning the impact between the driver and the vehicle's dashboard during collisions.

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