The ordinance issued by the Road Transport Minister, Nitin Gadkari, to make Six Airbags mandatory for all passenger vehicles carrying up to eight passengers has led to a division of opinions all across the country. On the one hand, people consider it a good move to improve safety and reduce fatalities of occupants on the road. On the other hand, this ordinance would increase the manufacturing costs of an entry-level vehicle, thus making it difficult for the lower-middle-class public who aspires to upgrade from a two-wheeler to a four-wheeler.
The International Road Federation (IRF) - Chapter India claims this decision to favour the rich but entirely against the poor, reiterating the decision to be pro-rich and anti-poor. Due to increased manufacturing costs involved in including six airbags and to keep the ex-showroom price of the vehicle low, automotive manufacturers would be forced to employ cunning cost-cutting measures. This might end up affecting the Value For Money factor for an individual drastically. In a country like India, where maximum mishaps take place with two-wheelers, a significant chunk of people rides a bike or a scooter because they can't afford a car. Mandatory six airbags can lead to an inflation of around 10% of the cost of an average entry-level car and can rip off the lower middle class.
IRF confronted this ordinance with statistic-based proof of the efficiency of airbags in a vehicle. According to their reports, there are rarely any occupants who wear rear seat belts while riding. In such a case, having the airbags deployed without wearing the seat belts can cause much more damage comparatively.
Highlighting the supply chain of automotive manufacturers, IRF also stated that the mandatory six airbags ordinance would increase imports from China significantly. Despite the airbags now being manufactured within the country at scale, most of the components are imported from China and then assembled in India. This can completely stand against the national vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat and encourage high imports.
Also Read: 20 Cars Under Rs 20 Lakh Available In India With 6 Airbags
IRF suggests regulating crash norms with a detailed analysis of comprehensive crash test regulations like other countries and not mandating the minimum number of airbags. Crash tests can effectively determine the extent of impact in the passenger capsule and help to improve the factors contributing to safety. The decision as of now was approved as a Draft GSR (General Statutory Rules) notification but should be thought over with all aspects in mind.
So, what are your thoughts on the orders passed with regard to Mandatory Six Airbags in all vehicles? Share your views in the comment section. Let's get into a discussion with this in our 91Wheels Telegram and 91Wheels Whatsapp group, where you can know more about vehicles, conduct discussions on your favourite ride, and much more! You can also subscribe to our Youtube channel for our exclusive video content on the latest from the world of cars and motorcycles. Also, connect with us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter for more about vehicles!
Also Read: 6 Airbags Will Soon Be Standard in 8 Seater Vehicles
