Union Minister Nitin Gadkari has said the government "won't make six airbag rule for cars mandatory". He was speaking at the Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the Automotive Component Manufacturers Association (ACMA) on Wednesday, September 13.
This contrasts his last year's September comment when he said that the government had decided to implement a proposal mandating six airbags in passenger cars with effect from October 1, 2023. Additionally, the driver seat and co-passenger seat airbag was made mandatory in July 2019 and January 2022, respectively.
"We have introduced the BNCAP (Bharat New Car Assessment Programme) regime, which demands six airbags for achieving 5-star safety rating in cars. It will automatically push companies to offer 6 airbags as standard without the need for making them mandatory," said Gadkari.
In the previous year, Gadkari announced that the rule would become effective starting from October 1, 2023. He emphasized the importance of automated driver license systems in enhancing road safety, urging automakers to establish scrappage centers, fitness centers, and driving training and license centers.
During an interview with PTI last year, Gadkari expressed his viewpoint on the need for small cars, often purchased by the lower middle-class population, to be equipped with an adequate number of airbags. He questioned why automakers were offering eight airbags exclusively in larger vehicles favored by wealthier individuals.
His comments were made in the context of the automobile industry's concerns regarding the increased taxation and stricter safety and emission regulations, which have resulted in higher costs for their products.
(Will be updated)
First Published: Sept 13, 2023 2:47 PM IST
