Indian Ministry planning to compulsory the ABS in two-wheelers

To control the numbers of road accidents in India, the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways is planning to make the ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) mandatory in the world's largest and fastest growing two-wheeler market. The technology helps to maintain the stability of a vehicle at the time of braking, making the action much safer. It reduces the uncontrolled skidding of vehicles during emergency braking and has been proven a very effective equipment to control vehicles on wet or slippery surfaces.

The ABS technology is mostly used in the superbikes, however, many two-wheeler brands are now introducing it with their entry-level-performance bikes in India like Honda CBR250R (Optional), TVS Apache RTR 180-ABS, KTM 390 Duke, KTM RC 390 etc. So, the government is planning to introduce the technology in all the models of this class in the future and gradually expanding the evolution to the mass (commuter) segment. The process will be implemented in a phased manner covering all the two wheeler segment one-by-one depending on the popularity.

A senior government official told ET, "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."

No doubt that the technology costs from around Rs. 10,000 - 30,000 depending on the ABS model, which is a very big issue in a developing country like India. Apart from the cost of equipment, it works only with the hydraulic (disc) braking system, which will further increase the cost of the two wheelers. However, once people get aware about its benefits and reduced number of accidents by it, they will understand that ABS is a value for money deal.

Source: ETAuto