In a significant move aimed at enhancing road safety, Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways, Nitin Gadkari, has announced that buyers of new two-wheelers will now receive two ISI-marked helmets at the time of purchase. This initiative is part of the government’s broader strategy to reduce road accidents and promote helmet usage among riders and pillion passengers.

A Step Towards Safer Roads

India has one of the highest numbers of road fatalities, with two-wheeler riders accounting for a significant portion of these accidents. Many of these fatalities are attributed to lack of helmet usage or substandard helmets that fail to provide adequate protection. By ensuring that all new bike buyers receive ISI-certified helmets, the government aims to enforce safety measures and reduce the risk of head injuries in accidents.

Speaking on the initiative, Nitin Gadkari stated, “Every year, thousands of lives are lost due to the absence of proper safety gear. Helmets are not an accessory but a necessity. This new policy will ensure that every two-wheeler buyer has access to quality protective gear from the very beginning.”

How the Initiative Works

Under this scheme:

• Every new motorcycle or scooter purchase will come with two ISI-certified helmets for both the rider and pillion passenger.
• Dealerships will be mandated to provide these helmets at no extra cost.
• Strict compliance will be monitored to ensure that all helmets meet BIS (Bureau of Indian Standards) regulations.

Industry Response & Implementation Challenges

The initiative has been welcomed by road safety advocates and traffic enforcement agencies, who believe this move will significantly increase helmet usage, especially in rural areas where compliance is lower. However, some automobile dealers and manufacturers have raised concerns regarding the additional cost burden and logistical challenges of supplying helmets with every bike.

A senior official from the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM) commented, “While we fully support the government's safety measures, integrating helmet distribution into the sales process will require additional coordination between manufacturers and dealers. We are working closely with authorities to ensure smooth implementation.”

The Need for ISI-Certified Helmets

Fake and substandard helmets have been a persistent issue in India, with many riders opting for cheaper, non-ISI helmets that provide minimal protection. The government’s push for ISI-marked helmets is a direct attempt to curb this issue and enforce quality standards in motorcycle safety gear.

The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) has reiterated that only ISI-marked helmets offer the necessary protection in the event of a crash, and consumers should avoid purchasing unregulated products from the market.

Road Safety Initiatives in India

This announcement aligns with several other road safety measures introduced by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, including:

• Heavier penalties for riding without a helmet, as per the Motor Vehicles Act, 2019.
• Mandatory ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) for two-wheelers above 125cc.
• Awareness campaigns on traffic discipline and helmet usage.

With this new directive, the Indian government takes a bold step in reinforcing two-wheeler safety norms. By ensuring that every new bike comes with two ISI-certified helmets, the initiative aims to drastically reduce road fatalities and instill a culture of responsible riding.

As the new regulation rolls out, all eyes will be on its enforcement and impact on helmet compliance across India. Industry experts believe that if successfully implemented, this could be a game-changer for motorcycle safety in the country.