Government to Mandate Advanced Safety Features in E-Rickshaws, Trucks, and Buses

Key Highlights:

• The government plans to mandate safety features like stability control and emergency braking in new trucks and buses.
• Gadkari said these systems will reduce accidents, though the implementation timeline is not set.
• E-rickshaws will soon have safety star ratings, similar to BNCAP for cars.
• E-rickshaws, with 5.41 lakh sold in 2024, are popular but face safety issues like overturning.
• A committee will develop guidelines for e-rickshaw safety ratings to improve design and stability.

The government is considering a move to make advanced driver-assistance systems mandatory for new heavy trucks and buses. This includes technologies like electronic stability control, automated emergency braking, and driver drowsiness detection. These measures aim to enhance safety on the roads and reduce accidents involving large commercial vehicles.

A Step Towards Reducing Road Accidents

Minister of Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari emphasized that these safety systems would be revolutionary in preventing major accidents. Although the government has made the decision to require these systems in new heavy trucks and buses, it has not yet finalized a timeline for implementation.

Key Safety Features Explained

Electronic Stability Control: This system helps prevent rollovers and collisions by detecting and reducing skidding or sliding when a vehicle is losing traction.

Automated Emergency Braking: This system reduces the risk of rear-end collisions by detecting obstacles in the vehicle's path and applying the brakes automatically if the driver fails to react.

Driver Drowsiness Detection: Long hours of driving can lead to fatigue, a major cause of accidents. This system monitors driver behavior, such as eye movement and steering patterns, and alerts the driver if signs of drowsiness are detected.

Safety Comes First, Says Gadkari

When asked about the potential costs of adding these systems to new vehicles, Gadkari assured that safety should never be compromised. The government is committed to implementing these life-saving technologies for the greater good of road safety.

Government to Introduce Safety Star Ratings for E-Rickshaws

With the rising popularity of e-rickshaws for last-mile connectivity, the government is now focusing on improving their safety standards. Minister of Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari revealed that the government plans to introduce safety star ratings for e-rickshaws, similar to the BNCAP (Bharat New Car Assessment Program) used for four-wheelers.

Strengthening Safety Standards for E-Rickshaws

Gadkari explained that when e-rickshaws were first introduced, stringent safety standards were not mandated due to cost concerns. At the time, manufacturers were allowed to use products that met ISI standards. 

However, the government now intends to implement star ratings to ensure higher safety standards for e-rickshaws. This move aims to improve the design and stability of these vehicles, which are increasingly popular in urban and semi-urban areas.

The Growing Popularity of E-Rickshaws

E-rickshaws, which are battery-powered three-wheelers, can carry up to four passengers and 40 kg of luggage, with a speed limit of 25 km per hour. These vehicles have become a preferred choice for last-mile connectivity due to their low operating costs and zero-emission nature. In 2024, India sold 5.41 lakh e-rickshaws, making up about 44% of total three-wheeler sales in the country.

Addressing Safety Concerns

The e-rickshaw segment has faced issues with vehicle overturning, prompting the government to take action. A technical committee has been appointed to develop guidelines for the new star ratings, which will improve the overall quality of e-rickshaws made in India. E-rickshaws are not only in demand in India but also in countries like Africa, Sri Lanka, and Bangladesh, where they are becoming an important mode of transport.

BNCAP and its Role

The BNCAP program evaluates car safety in India and assigns star ratings based on the vehicle's safety performance. While voluntary, BNCAP is gaining traction as more consumers demand higher safety standards in vehicles. The introduction of similar safety ratings for e-rickshaws will help ensure that these vehicles meet the required safety benchmarks.

Also Read: FADA Sales Report December 2024: CV sales decreased by 5.24% YoY

CMV360 Says

We think the government’s plan to make safety features mandatory for trucks, buses, and e-rickshaws is a great move. It's important to keep safety first, especially with bigger vehicles on the road and the growing use of e-rickshaws. 

The new safety systems and star ratings will help make travel safer for everyone. Although the exact timeline is still unclear, this decision shows that the government is serious about preventing accidents and protecting lives.