The road transport ministry has deferred by four months the mandatory installation of dual airbags for front seats in the existing car models, in view of the COVID-19 pandemic, a senior government official said on 27th June 2021, Sunday.
In view of the prevailing pandemic situation, the ministry has decided to defer mandatory installation of front passenger airbags in the existing car models till December 31st, 2021, the official said on condition of anonymity.
"The Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM) has asked for time. For new models it's already mandatory," the official added.
The ministry on March 6th 2021, had said that vehicles manufactured on and after, April 1st, 2021, in the case of new models, and August 31st, 2021, in the case of existing models shall be fitted with an airbag for the person occupying the front seat, other than the driver.
The step is aimed at improving passenger safety in case of an accident.
