Union Road Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari has made a surprising announcement, stating that the Indian government does not intend to mandate the use of six airbags in all cars in the country. This decision comes after the government had proposed implementing the six airbags safety norm from October 2023 to enhance the safety of car occupants.

Speaking at an automotive event in New Delhi, Gadkari explained the government”s stance, saying, “We don”t want to make the installation of six airbags mandatory for cars, as people are already cautious. If a car model has six airbags, people may prefer to choose that car. It”s ultimately up to the manufacturers and consumers to decide.”

This statement is a reversal of the minister”s previous position. In September 2022, Gadkari had announced the proposal to make a minimum of six airbags mandatory in passenger cars, with the regulation slated to go into effect from October 2023. Additionally, in 2021, a rule had been issued mandating front seat airbags in all vehicles manufactured after a specified date.

Airbags are a crucial safety feature in vehicles. They are restraint devices installed in the dashboard and are designed to activate during a car crash or accident. They serve as a protective measure, reducing the risk of severe injuries for both drivers and passengers.

In response to questions about road accidents, Minister Gadkari acknowledged the significant road safety challenges in India. He highlighted that the country witnesses five lakh accidents and 1.50 lakh accident- deaths annually, with 60% of these fatalities occurring among the young population aged 18 to 34. Gadkari stressed the importance of preventive measures, including improvements in road and automobile engineering.

He also mentioned the government”s efforts to address these challenges, such as the passage of road safety laws and plans to provide swift medical assistance to accident victims, including the development of hospitals near highways. However, he emphasised the need for public education and changing human behavior as a critical aspect of improving road safety.

Switching gears to the automobile sector, Minister Gadkari commended the industry”s growth, with the total size of the sector reaching Rs 12.50 lakh crore. He pointed out the challenge of high imports in the industry, amounting to Rs 1.63 lakh crore, and urged the industry to reduce import dependency, adopt advanced technology, and produce products of international standards.

He highlighted the remarkable growth of the automobile industry during his tenure as minister, stating that it had grown from Rs 4.50 lakh crore to Rs 12.50 lakh crore.

The Indian government has decided not to make six airbags mandatory for all cars, leaving the choice of airbag installation up to manufacturers and consumers. Minister Gadkari also emphasised the need for comprehensive road safety measures and reducing import dependency in the automobile sector while celebrating its substantial growth.