India is set to take a major step forward in two-wheeler safety. The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways recently proposed a change to the Central Motor Vehicle Rules, 1989. This proposal will require manufacturers to provide two BIS-certified helmets - one for the rider and one for the pillion - with every new two-wheeler sold in the country starting January 2026. The objective is to promote safer riding habits and reduce road fatalities, especially among pillion riders who often do not wear helmets. Dealerships will also need to deliver both helmets at the time of vehicle handover. For an industry that has long struggled with poor safety awareness and widespread use of fake helmets, this new regulation could bring about much-needed change. According to Rajeev Kapur, Managing Director of Steelbird, this rule could lead to a significant increase in helmet demand. Kapur mentioned that if every new two-wheeler comes with two helmets, the annual requirement could exceed 4 crore helmets. However, a challenge lies ahead as India's actual production capacity for genuine ISI-certified helmets is only around 3 crore units per year, leaving a substantial gap. The proposed rule aligns with the government's broader efforts to reduce road fatalities, with over 1.5 lakh deaths reported annually in India due to road accidents, a significant portion of which involve two-wheeler riders. Steelbird, one of India's largest helmet manufacturers, is already heavily investing in automation and plant expansion. The company plans to introduce 75 new helmet models over the next five years, catering to various segments from budget to premium. Despite these positive steps, the issue of fake helmets remains a concern. Approximately half of the helmets used on Indian roads are counterfeit, lacking safety standards and providing inadequate protection. Kapur emphasized the importance of strong enforcement to ensure that only genuine ISI-marked products are sold and that any law mandating two helmets per vehicle must have robust checks in place. Kapur believes that effective enforcement of this law will not only save more lives but also help eliminate counterfeit helmet suppliers from the market. Discover everything about the automotive world at Times of India.

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