Nitin Gadkari retracts 6 airbag rule: Government won’t make it mandatory. Focus on enhancing road safety continues
Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari has reversed his stance on the proposed mandatory requirement for six airbags in passenger cars. In a surprising turn of events, Gadkari announced that the government would not enforce the six airbag rule, which was originally scheduled to come into effect in October 2023.
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Proposal to Make 6 Airbags Mandatory Retracted
“We don’t want to make the six airbag rule for cars mandatory,” Gadkari stated during an automotive conference in New Delhi. “Now people are cautious. Whatever models have six airbags, people may prefer to take that car. It’s up to the manufacturers and people to decide.” This decision marks a significant departure from Gadkari’s earlier position. In September 2022, he had announced on the microblogging platform ‘X’ (formerly Twitter) that a minimum of six airbags in passenger cars (M-1 Category) would be mandated starting from October 1, 2023. However, the proposal was never finalized, and it has now been officially retracted by the Indian government.
The initial proposal aimed to enhance the safety of motor vehicle occupants by amending the Central Motor Vehicles Rules (CMVR), 1989. While the government estimated that the addition of four more airbags would cost around $75 (₹6,221) per vehicle, auto market data provider JATO Dynamics suggested that it would raise costs by at least $231 (₹19,161).
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Gadkari Stays Committed to Improving Road Safety
It’s important to note that airbags for both front seats have been mandatory in vehicles manufactured on and after April 1, 2021. These safety features play a crucial role in protecting occupants during collisions by acting as a restraint system between the driver and the vehicle’s dashboard, thereby preventing serious injuries. Nitin Gadkari’s focus on enhancing road safety remains a priority for the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH). While the decision not to mandate six airbags may raise questions, the government’s commitment to improving road safety continues through various measures and initiatives.
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