In efforts to make vehicles safer, the Central Government's Ministry of Road Transport and Highways has released an official notification that states Anti-lock braking system (ABS) mandatory on all cars from April 2019. In order to ensure its effective implementation, the ministry has reportedly instructed automakers to offer ABS as standard on all new models which will be launched after April 2018. The regulation is not applicable to vehicles which are sold before the above mentioned deadlines.
The ABS system prevents wheels from locking up during emergency braking conditions. Global studies indicates that ABS system can reduce the risk of crashes by over 20 per cent on an average. Introducing ABS in cars will not be a major cost to automakers and will set back by only by a few thousand rupees. Currently, automakers like Maruti Suzuki have been offering ABS as standard along with dual airbags in cars sold via its premium Nexa dealerships.
Most automakers in the country have also started offering airbag as option right from base variant onwards. Along with offering maximum control at braking, the technology allows the driver to steer away without much effort. On the pricing aspect, we believe cars with ABS might be cost an additional Rs 20,000 to Rs 30,000. Along with ABS, the vehicles will also soon be offered with airbags.
