Relief for automakers as govt defers six airbags rule to Oct 2023

Nitin Gadkari cites 'global supply chain constraints' as reason for the shift in decision

The government on Thursday deferred until October 2023 the implementation of norms mandating six airbags in all cars, giving the industry a one-year extension.

The ministry of road transport and highways (MoRTH), earlier this year, had made it mandatory for six airbags to be installed in all passenger cars that can carry up to eight people. The rule was to kick in from October 1, 2022. 

The latest decision comes despite the government’s prioritisation of passenger safety irrespective of vehicle cost or variants, said Union Road Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari.

“Considering the global supply chain constraints being faced by the