ARAI proposes mandatory ABS for two-wheelers above 125cc

The Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI) has proposed making antilock-braking system (ABS) mandatory for two-wheelers above 125cc. ARAI is currently devising a plan that will be later pitched to the concerned ministry to get the final nod. 

The new government is very serious about reducing the number of road accidents in the country. It has drafted a new motor vehicles act which is yet to be approved, but once it does, the violators will have to pay hefty fines. The government understands that the introduction of ABS will be a costly affair, but it feels that the stability of the vehicle should be given more importance. 

The timeline for this regulation is linked with facility readiness and industry preparedness. ARAI doesn't have a two-wheeler testing facility for now and uses Vehicle Research & Development Establishment’s facility in Ahmednagar. Once everything is in place, this new regulation is expected to  be applied from 2017 onwards.

The mass market two-wheelers segment is a very price sensitive segment. If the ABS is made mandatory, the price of these products is bound to go up. But over the next few years, once economies of scales are achieved, the price of the ABS unit will come down, which will directly impact the price of the two-wheelers.