Indian Government to Make Air Bags Mandatory for Cars from 2015

After popular Indian cars like Maruti Swift, Alto 800, Datsun Go and Tata Nano failed the recently held impact tests held by NCAP, the Government is planning to make air bags mandatory for all cars from 2015.

Even the media has been quite outspoken over this issue, thereby, compelling the government to take this drastic measure. This new move by the Government will not be welcomed by the car companies who compromise on security features to cut down costs, as it would increase the rate of entry level cars by Rs. 30,000 to Rs. 35,000.

Along with air bags, other basic security features like anti-lock braking system (ABS), seat belt reminders, revamped body structures and child locks will also be made compulsory from next year.

“India’s first vehicle safety standard, the India New Car Assessment Programme (NCAP), based on the widely accepted United Nations NCAP, will be notified early next year”, said Vijay Chhibber, Road Transport and Highways Secretary.

Meanwhile, the Government of India has taken initiative and is planning to set up India’s first vehicle safety standard called – ‘India New Car Assessment Program’.

We hope this initiative by the Indian Government will raise the safety standards, especially in the budget segment as these mid-range cars are mostly popular among Indian masses.