ABS mandatory for all new cars from April 2019

The Central Government's Ministry of Road Transport & Highways has released an official notification, making it mandatory for all new cars to be equipped with ABS (anti-lock braking system) from April 2019. This decision is a part of the government's steps to bring down the accident and death rate on Indian roads.

The ministry has also instructed automakers to offer ABS as a standard feature on all new models that are launched after April 2018. It must be noted that cars already sold before these deadlines won't come under the said mandate.

Anti-lock braking system (ABS) is a safety feature that avoids the wheels from locking up during emergency braking conditions. This offers the driver adequate control over the car, enabling him/her to steer away from the impending obstacle. Various studies have shown that presence of ABS in a car can help reduce the risk of an accident by over 20%.