Front airbags to be mandatory in passenger vehicles from April 1

In a major development, airbags for front-seat passengers will be mandatory for new vehicles starting April 1. 

The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways had earlier sent a proposal to the Ministry of Law to make it mandatory for vehicle manufacturers to fit airbags for the front seat. The proposal has been accepted by the Law Ministry and final notification will be issued in three working days.

For the existing models, the new rule would be implemented from August 31. Originally, the proposed deadline was June 2021 which has now been extended.

Carmakers are required to provide an airbag only for the driver, though officials have been talking about the need to improve safety.

In December last year, the government had sought public comment on a 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.