Cars must have these security features post July 1, 2019

Key Highlights

• Union road transport ministry has approved the timeline for the implementation of security systems.
• Crucial safety features are currently present only in luxury cars in India.
• New cars manufactured post July 1, 2019 will have to have certain security features.

Aside from luxury cars other cars manufactured post July 1, 2019 will have to have a list of safety features.

"The new cars will be fitted with a system that issues audio alerts when the speed crosses 80kmph. The alert will be sharper when the vehicle crosses 100kmph, and non-stop when it's over 120 kmph," a report by Times of India said quoting a transport ministry official.

Union Ministry of road transport and highways has reportedly approved the timeline for implementation of safety systems. The crucial safety measures would include - airbags, seat-belt reminders, alert systems for speeds beyond 80kmph, reverse parking alerts, as well as manual override over the central locking system for emergencies.

Minister of road transport, Nitin Gadkari has approved the move for passenger as well as pedestrian safety on India’s roads.

"To reduce the possibility of accidents while parking in reverse gear, the provision of reverse parking alert is being introduced. When the car is put in reverse gear, the feature will give an indication to the driver whether there are objects in the rear monitoring range," said the official.

While the safety measures of Indian cars still remains a concerning issue even international car manufacturers operating in India do not meet safety standards.

In May 2016 Global NCAP had tested seven popular cars in India all which received a 'zero' star rating. This included Hyundai Eon, Mahindra Scorpio, Maruti Suzuki Eeco, Renault Kwid versions 1, 2 and 3, and Maruti Suzuki Celerio.