The government has made it compulsory for all two-wheelers, which account for the highest share of accidents in the country, to either have the anti-lock braking system (ABS) or the combined braking system (CBS) by April 2019.

Two-wheeler manufacturers will have to fit the equipment for the existing scooter or bike models available for sale in the market by that time, and for all new models they plan to introduce from April 2018.

For two-wheelers with an engine capacity above 125 cc, fitting the ABS will be compulsory and for those with capacities at or below 125 cc, auto manufacturers will have an option to provide either the ABS or CBS.

The cost of two-wheelers is likely to go up between Rs.4,000 and Rs.6,000 as a result of the new norms notified by the Road Transport and Highways Ministry.

Two-wheelers are the most vulnerable among road users. According to official estimates, in 2014, 29.3 per cent, (or about 40,000 users), of 1.39 lakh people killed on roads were two-wheeler users — the highest share followed by cars, jeeps and taxis (22.7 per cent) and trucks and tempos (19.7 per cent).

The ABS, which helps riders maintain stability without skidding while applying the brake, will be mandatory for mopeds as well, which are typically bikes without gears.

The CBS distributes the pressure, applied on the rear wheel, to the front wheel minimising the possibility of a road accident.

However, the move will have no impact on the existing vehicles that ply on road.

The draft notification, issued by the government in August last year, had made CBS compulsory for two-wheelers at or below 125 cc and ABS for two-wheelers above 125 cc.

“As it would require a major design change, we have given the automobile industry time till April 2019,” said a senior Road Ministry official.

At present, ABS needs to be compulsorily fitted in tractors carrying hazardous goods or liquid petroleum gas, double decked transport vehicles and buses that ply on All India Tourist permit.

Interestingly, the norms make the ABS mandatory for a distinct category of motor cycles with maximum speed of 45 kmph and engine capacity of less than 50 cc.

“I hope this is not what the government intends to do. Some clarity on the rule for mopeds will be required,” said K.K. Gandhi, Executive Director (Tech), Society of Indian Automobiles Manufacturers (SIAM).

“Also, it would have been better if the government had given us the option between ABS and CBS at all levels,” Mr. Gandhi added.

He said SIAM would, however, not oppose the notification which was issued on March 16.