Government Of India Improves Transportation Security, Passenger Cars Must Have 6 Air Bags

The Tigor EV produced by Tatat Motors, must have advanced safety features. (photo: twitter@TataMotors)

JAKARTA - India will introduce a safety assessment system for passenger cars. This is - a move that is hoped will encourage manufacturers to provide advanced safety features and will increase the "export eligibility" of vehicles manufactured in the country.

The road transport ministry said in a statement, quoted by Reuters, that it would give the car a one to five star rating, based on tests that assess adult and child passenger protection and safety assist technology. The new system is scheduled to take effect in April 2023.

India, which has some of the world's deadliest known roads, has also proposed that all passenger cars have six airbags, despite resistance from some automakers who say it will increase vehicle costs. Current regulations require two airbags, one for the driver and one for the front passenger.

India is the fifth largest auto market in the world, with annual sales of around 3 million units per year. Maruti Suzuki, which is majority-owned by Japan's Suzuki Motor, and Hyundai Motor are the country's biggest-selling automakers.