Government could make ABS compulsory for two-wheelers

The Government of India is coming up with various plans to try and improve the miserable road safety record of the country. Among them is a proposal to make anti-lock braking systems (ABS) mandatory on two-wheelers. The feature will be made compulsory on bikes with larger engine capacities and later expanded to the mass market in a phased manner. 

Two-wheelers account for the highest share of accidents on Indian roads. The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways opines that the inclusion of ABS will improve the stability of two-wheelers while braking, which in turn, will make them safer. Riders will be able to manoeuvre their vehicles much better under slippery conditions and hard braking with a lesser risk of skidding.

Europe has made ABS compulsory for all new bigger engine motorcycles from 2016-17. The Government of India plans to adopt a similar strategy.

While China is the world's largest bikes and scooters market, India, which lies in second place, has the fastest growing two-wheeler market with 17 million units produced last year. Manufacturers have refrained from offering ABS has it would increase the cost of the vehicles.

Source: ET Auto