6-Airbag Rules
In an important announcement, The Minister of road transport and highways of India Mr. Nitin Gadkari made a proclamation that the Indian government has decided to delay the implementation of the obligatory six-airbag rule for automotive cars until October 1, 2023.
The commencing plan was to make six airbags compulsory in all eight-seater vehicles starting from October 1, 2022. The government adopted this decision after surveying the network flow of the automotive industry’s supply chain constraints worldwide, that determines the economy as a whole.
Nitin Gadkari’s Announcement
Gadkari made a public clarification that the government’s primary objective always remained to be the safety of all passengers in automotive vehicles, regardless of the price or version or model of the vehicle.
He accentuated this point in a tweet, saying,
“Safety of all passengers traveling in motor vehicles irrespective of their cost and variants is the foremost priority.”
The judgement to postpone the six-airbag rule’s being enacted reflects an awareness that numerous automakers in India already sell vehicles with six airbags. These automakers have deliberately marketed the safety features of their vehicles, overcoming the necessity for a nationwide mandate to have six airbags. Due to the fact that some automakers in India already sell vehicles with six airbags, it was decided to delay the implementation of the mandatory six-airbag scheme, as it states the unnecessary need of six airbags across the board, considering these businesses have been actively promoting the safety features of their vehicles.
The mandatory six-airbag rule for new cars has been delayed by one year due to lack of airbag manufacturing capacity; will now go into effect from October 1, 2023.
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The automotive sector in India is developing briskly, it recently exceeded Japan to secure third place in the global auto market. Numerous companies have voluntarily added six airbags to their vehicles as a result of greater competition and vehicle owners’ growing preference for innovative technological advances and features. This verdict signifies both the industry’s commitment to the safety feature as well as the changing desire of the customers.
The government comprehends the vitality of airbag safety, but it is of the opinion that market forces and competition will ultimately lead to the widespread adoption of this important safety aspect. As a result, there are no current plans to enforce the need for the installation of six airbags.
Reason for the 6-Airbags Rule
This decision was made in consideration of the increasing concern on road safety in India, particularly in the case of the fatal car crash involving the former chairman of Tata Sons, Cyrus Pallonji Mistry. This proves the importance of safety equipment such as airbags and seat belts available in a vehicle, to prevent accidents and save lives on our roads.
In a summarised sequel, it is concluded that the Indian government’s decision of delaying the need for six airbags is a demonstration of the dynamic nature of the automotive industry and how it adapts to changing consumer demands. Despite the fact that airbag safety is still a top concern, the government is of the opinion that the market, with many manufacturers having already audacious efforts in this area, will push the adoption of this essential safety feature.
