NEW DELHI: The government has officially scrapped its plans to enforce the requirement of six airbags in automobiles, as announced by Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari. In a recent statement at the ACMA annual session, Gadkari clarified the government's stance, stating, "We have decided not to impose a mandatory six-airbag rule for cars." This decision comes after last year's postponement of the initial proposal to make six airbags obligatory in passenger cars, with the new implementation date set for October 1, 2023.

Initially, the government had intended to mandate the installation of six airbags in eight-seater vehicles, aiming to enhance passenger safety starting from October 1, 2022. However, Gadkari, recognizing the challenges faced by the automotive industry due to global supply chain constraints and their repercussions on the overall economic landscape, chose to delay the enforcement of this requirement. He conveyed this decision via a tweet, explaining that the new regulation regarding a minimum of six airbags in Passenger Cars (M-1 Category) would now be effective from October 1, 2023.

Gadkari emphasized that the primary concern remains the safety of all passengers traveling in motor vehicles, regardless of their vehicle's cost or model variations.

Airbags play a vital role in safeguarding vehicle occupants during collisions by acting as a restraint system that intervenes between the occupant and the vehicle's structure, thereby reducing the risk of severe injuries.

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