The Ministry of Road and Transport and Highways, vide GSR 1483(E) dated 7^th December, 2017, mandated the requirement of airbag for the driver, as per Automotive Industry Standard(AIS) 145. The Ministry has notified GSR 148(E) dated 2^nd March, 2021 regarding mandatory provision of an airbag for the passenger seated on the front seat of a vehicle, next to the driver, as per AIS 145, as amended from time to time, for vehicles manufactured on and after the 1st day of April, 2021, in the case of new models, and 31st day of August, 2021, in the case of existing models. However, due to COVID 19 pandemic, this Ministry vide GSR 595(E) dated 26th August 2021 has extended the timeline in respect of date of implementation of fitment of air bags on existing models upto 31^st  December 2021.

The Ministry of Road and Transport and Highways, vide GSR 16(E) dated 14th January, 2022, has notified that vehicles of category M1, manufactured after 1^st October 2022, shall be fitted with two side/side torso air bags, one each for the persons occupying front row outboard seating positions and two side curtain/tube air bags, one each for the persons occupying outboard seating positions. This has been notified to enhance safety for the vehicle occupants. In the event of lateral collision, the side/torso airbags act as cushion between the vehicle body and occupants and absorbs energy of impact. The fixed cost of an air bag is a function of volume of the vehicle model produced and shall be determined by market forces. However, the approximate variable cost for 4 airbags [2 side air bags and 2 curtain airbags], may vary from Rs 5600 to Rs 7000. Comments and objections have been solicited from all stakeholders within a period of thirty days. The said regulation will be finalised after considering the comments and objections received from all stakeholders.

This information was given by the Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways, Shri Nitin Gadkari in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha.

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MJPS