The Indian government’s decision to mandate Anti-lock
Braking Systems (ABS) for all two-wheelers from January
1, 2026, is a bold and necessary step toward reducing road fatalities. As
a Road Safety Ambassador and advocate for smart
mobility solutions, I firmly believe this policy will save thousands of
lives. However, it also brings economic challenges for manufacturers and
consumers, particularly in the price-sensitive sub-125cc segment,
which dominates 85% of India’s two-wheeler market.
The Power of ABS: Revolutionizing Road Safety
ABS technology prevents wheel lock-up during emergency
braking, allowing riders to maintain control and avoid skidding—a critical
feature on India’s congested and often unpredictable roads. Government data
reveals that two-wheelers account for 44% of road fatalities (nearly
75,000 deaths in 2022). The expansion of ABS to sub-125cc vehicles (previously
exempt) addresses this grim statistic head-on. My experience working with NHAI,
World Bank, and UN initiatives has shown that technology-driven
safety measures, when implemented effectively, can reduce accidents
by 30-50%.
Economic Impact: Challenges for OEMs and Consumers
While safety must be prioritized, the transition comes with
hurdles:
- Affordability
Concerns: The sub-125cc segment—76% of ICE motorcycles and nearly
all scooters—is highly price-sensitive. Nomura estimates a 3–5%
price hike (₹3,000–₹10,000 per unit), which could reduce demand
by 2–4%.
·
Hero MotoCorp (99% exposure), Honda
(89%), TVS (86%), and Bajaj (72%) will face the biggest impact.
·
Rural buyers, who rely on affordability,
may delay purchases, affecting industry recovery.
- EV Sector Strain: Electric two-wheelers (except premium models like Ola S1 Pro) will also face cost pressures, adding to existing supply-chain challenges.
The Way Forward: Balancing Safety & Affordability
To ensure a smooth transition, I recommend:
✔ Phased Implementation – A
staggered rollout for entry-level models to ease financial burdens.
✔ Government Subsidies – Tax breaks
or incentives to offset ABS costs for manufacturers.
✔ Consumer Awareness – Campaigns
educating riders on ABS benefits, reinforcing that safety is
non-negotiable.
✔ Localized Production – Encouraging
domestic ABS manufacturing to reduce dependency on global suppliers like Bosch
and Continental.
Conclusion: Safety Cannot Be Compromised
History shows that safety mandates (like BS-VI norms)
initially disrupt markets but eventually become industry standards. While OEMs
adapt, the long-term benefits—fewer accidents, lower medical costs, and
safer roads—far outweigh short-term challenges.
As India moves toward its Vision Zero Accident goal,
policies like ABS mandates must be supported by smart financing, public
awareness, and industry collaboration. Let’s make Indian roads safer—one
responsible decision at a time.
About Mr. Akhilesh Srivastava
A renowned Road Safety Ambassador, Smart Mobility Expert, and former Chief General Manager of NHAI, Mr. Srivastava has spearheaded multiple global road safety initiatives with the World Bank, UN, and IRF. He is a strong advocate for technology-driven traffic management and sustainable transport solutions.
Source link: https://medium.com/@akhlisheshsrivastva/mandatory-abs-for-two-wheelers-a-crucial-step-towards-safer-roads-c31eaee90493
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