Six Airbags Not Mandatory for Cars: Union Minister Nitin Gadkari

In a notable statement, Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari has conveyed that there is no need to mandate six airbags in cars. He emphasized that manufacturers, in their pursuit of competition, should voluntarily equip their vehicles with six airbags, considering the heightened caution among consumers.

Gadkari's Remarks at ACMA Annual Session

Addressing the 63rd Automotive Component Manufacturers Association of India (ACMA) annual session in the national capital, Gadkari highlighted the changing consumer sentiment. He noted that cars featuring an economic model with six airbags would naturally attract buyers. Gadkari firmly stated, "We do not need to make it mandatory. It is the manufacturers who have to decide."

Furthermore, Gadkari stressed that automakers who opt not to include six airbags might face challenges in terms of sales. He asserted that staying competitive in the market requires the incorporation of this safety feature. "If they do not want it, it is their problem," he added.

Background: The Airbag Mandate Proposal

This statement follows a previous decision made by Union Minister Gadkari in 2022. At that time, he approved a proposal mandating a minimum of six airbags in passenger cars, with the new rule slated to be effective from October 1, 2023. A draft notification in this regard was issued on January 14, 2022.

The draft stipulated that vehicles categorized as M1, manufactured after October 1, 2022, must be fitted with two side/side torso airbags for occupants in the front row's outboard seating positions, along with two side curtain/tube airbags for outboard seating positions.

Context: The Six Airbags Rule and Road Safety

The debate around mandating six airbags gained momentum following a tragic incident. An influential industrialist and former Tata Sons chairman, Mr. Mistry, lost his life in a road accident in Palghar, Maharashtra. Subsequently, questions arose regarding why the airbags in the SUV involved in the accident did not deploy as expected.

Quotes:

• "People are cautious now. Whichever economic model has six airbags, people will prefer to buy that car. We do not need to make it mandatory. It is the manufacturers who have to decide," said Gadkari.

• "Everyone is making it, we do not need to make it mandatory. Those who do not want to do it, are facing problems as far as their sale is concerned. If they want to be in the competition, they have to make six airbags. If they do not want it, it is their problem," Gadkari said.

Some relevant and latest facts about the news that you mentioned:

• In 2022, the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways approved the proposal mandating a minimum of 6 airbags in passenger cars. The new rule was to come into effect from October 1, 2023.

• However, on Wednesday, Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari said that six airbags will not be mandatory for cars in India. He said that people are now cautious and will prefer to buy cars with six airbags. He also said that if manufacturers want to be in the competition, they have to make six airbags.

• The decision to not make six airbags mandatory has been welcomed by some car manufacturers. However, road safety experts have expressed concern that it will lead to more deaths and injuries in road accidents.

• According to the World Health Organization, road traffic injuries are the leading cause of death among young people aged 5-29 years. In India, road accidents claim the lives of over 150,000 people every year.

• Experts say that six airbags can significantly reduce the risk of death and serious injury in road accidents. They urge the government to reconsider its decision and make six airbags mandatory for cars in India.

Here are some additional details about the six airbags rule:

• The six airbags that are to be mandated are:

  • Driver airbag

  • Passenger airbag

  • Side airbags for front-seat occupants

  • Curtain airbags for front and rear-seat occupants

• The rule would apply to all passenger cars that can carry up to eight people.

• The government had said that the mandatory six airbags rule would cost car manufacturers an additional ₹3,000-4,000 per car.

• However, car manufacturers have argued that the cost of the airbags would be much higher, and that the rule would make cars unaffordable for many people.

The decision of whether or not to make six airbags mandatory is a complex one. There are many factors to consider, including the cost of the airbags, the safety benefits, and the impact on car affordability. The government will need to weigh all of these factors carefully before making a decision.