No need to make 6 airbags mandatory in cars: Gadkari

Bharat NCAP rules would require cars to be equipped with 6 airbags to achieve a 4-star or 5-star rating.

Nitin Gadkari, Minister of Road Transport and Highways, has stated that there is no need to make 6 airbags mandatory in cars as almost all manufacturers are now offering this safety equipment in their products.

Gadkari added that the recently introduced Bharat NCAP rules would require cars to be equipped with 6 airbags to achieve a 4-star or 5-star rating. It would automatically push OEMs to offer them in their products.

Gadkari said, "Customers are cautious, people will prefer cars with six airbags. So companies and the people will decide". Companies which are not providing six airbags will face problems as far as sales are concerned," he added.

In 2022, the government had decided to mandate 6 airbags in cars. However, the deadline was extended due to global supply chain constraints. Some carmakers were concerned that it would drive up prices, affecting sales.