6 Airbags In Cars As Standard: Nithin Gadkari Proposes To Automakers In India

In a meeting held with the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM), the Minister congratulated the OEMs for performing well on the front of vehicle engineering and has appealed to all private vehicle manufacturers to compulsorily provide a minimum of 6 Airbags across all variants and segments of the vehicle, in the interest of passenger safety.

With 6 airbags installed in the car, both front and rear passengers will be protected in the event of a collision. The setup includes two airbags on the dashboard for the front passengers and two on the side. While the rear passengers will be protected by the two airbags installed on the rear doors.

This setup will ensure front passengers are protected from a head-on collision as well as from a side impact. However, for the rear passengers, a head-on collision could cause lesser damage than a side impact. As a result, a side curtain airbag would offer more protection.

Additionally, the Minister also asked vehicle manufacturers to roll out the Flex-Fuel Vehicles (FFVs) capable of running on 100% ethanol and gasoline. This will help reduce the dependency on importing fuel in India, which can further reduce the running costs in the country.

Speaking at the conference, Nitin Gadkari, said, "Met a delegation of CEOs of SIAM (Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers) in New Delhi today. Emphasized on the need for a quick roll-out of Flex-Fuel Vehicles (FFVs) capable of running on 100% ethanol and gasoline into the Indian auto market within a year's time."

He further added, "We are also looking for prospects about green hydrogen as a potential transport fuel. Whatever concessions we are offering for electric vehicles, we can offer that concession for green hydrogen also."

At the meeting, the delegation also presented an update on the upcoming automotive legislations such as BS-6 phase 2, CAF Phase 2 and OBD regulations for two-wheelers; among others. As a result, the Indian Government will continue its efforts on making automobiles run cleaner and safer in the coming years.

Apart from the safety and flexible fuel norms, the Minister had earlier proposed the implementation of the tyre safety rating, which will help buyers choose the right tyre and create awareness among motorists in India.

According to the rule, the tyres will feature a new star rating system that includes several performance indicators such as Rolling Resistance, Wet Grip, and Tyre Noise level. These ratings are in line with international rating systems that are followed in Europe and Middle East markets.

The new norms will have to be followed by tyre manufacturers in the country for all formats of tyres for two-wheelers, cars, buses, and heavy vehicles. Apart from the local manufacturers, companies importing tyres will have to comply with the norms — here are all the details.

Thoughts About 6 Airbags In Cars Being Offered As Standard In India As Proposed By Nitin Gadkari

The Indian Government is looking to make automobiles safer and cleaner in the coming years. Offering 6 airbags in cars will provide front and rear passengers adequate safety from collisions, which addresses one of the primary concerns for motorists in the country.

The Ministry is also working aggressively with brands to introduce Flexible Fuel Vehicles, which will lower the running costs by a huge margin amidst rising fuel prices.