India’s Ministry of Road Transport has proposed to make it mandatory for an airbag be provided for the passenger in the front seat of a vehicle next to the driver. The ministry on December 29 sought public comment on the proposal to make airbags mandatory for the front passenger in all cars from next year, in a move that could raise costs for automakers slowly seeing a revival in demand.
Carmakers are required to provide an airbag only for the driver, though officials have been talking about the need to improve safety.
All new models manufactured from April 1, and existing models made from June 1, will have to meet the new guideline if approved, the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways said in the notification dated December 28.
It asked for suggestions and objections from the public within 30 days from Tuesday before the rule is implemented.
The ministry has sought public consultation for the draft notification.
“Comments/ suggestions are solicited from all stakeholders at the following email address: comments-morth@gov.inwithin 30 days from the date of notification,” the ministry said.
The government’s proposal to make dual front airbags mandatory will lead to an increase in price, and vehicle manufacturers should absorb the major hike in costs to prevent impact on sales, the Federation of Automobile Dealers Associations (FADA) said,
