The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways is working on a plan to make the anti-lock brake system (ABS) compulsory for two-wheelers to improve their stability while braking, thereby increasing the safety quotient.
The ABS has been an effective tool to manoeuvre a vehicle, especially on slippery roads, as it offers better steering control when brakes are applied.
The government plans to introduce ABS for bigger engine twowheelers in future, gradually expanding to mass market commuter models in a phased manner once this technology reaches a scale and becomes popular.
Experts say that the new feature is expected to make these vehicles -which account for the highest share of accidents on Indian roads -safer by enhancing their braking ability and reduce the chances of skidding. Europe has mandated ABS for all new bigger engine-motorcycles from 201617 onwards and the new Indian government, that is putting great emphasis on safety, also plans to adopt a similar format.
India is the world’s second largest bikes and scooters market after China, and also the fastest growing, churning out around 17 million two-wheelers last year.
“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 twowheelers 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. ABS is increasingly becoming a standard feature in cars, but two-wheeler makers are resisting it for their high cost.
Source – ET Auto