Government wants ABS compulsory in two-wheelers

Looks like the new government is serious about making Indian roads much safer. After re-drafting the motor vehicles act that has some very strict fines, the government is working on a plan to make the anti-lock braking system (ABS) mandatory for two-wheelers in the country. 

Ministry of Roads Transport and Highway is keen on implementing this policy as soon as possible but understands the hurdles of doing so. Hence, it plans to introduce ABS for bigger displacement motorcycles and then gradually expand it to the mass market segment once the technology reaches a scale and becomes popular. However, the governments take on “bigger displacement” is unclear as usually it is expected that the bike be powerful, maybe something above 600cc. Few big bikes already come with ABS but this policy will make manufacturers launch the rest of the big bikes with ABS. This is bound to increase the price of the bike, but then the rider will have better control over the bike. This new policy comes after Europe has mandated ABS for all new bigger engine-motorcycles from 2017 onward. 

"We in India have adopted the European policy format for the automotive industry, though with a lag to allow the industry to gradually evolve and reach that level. Like the emission norms based on EU, we have a roadmap of safety for all class of vehicles. The ABS on two wheelers is part of that plan to enhance the safety of vehicles in India and gradually adopt standards applicable in developed countries," said a senior government official to ET.

This is a welcome move by the government because it is bound to make Indian roads much safer and reduce the number of fatalities per year. We are hoping to hear something concrete on this new policy soon.