India's Two-Helmet Mandate: A Road Safety Revolution in the Making

India mandates two certified helmets with every two-wheeler purchase to curb counterfeit sales and enhance road safety. The regulation could reduce accident fatalities by 25%, despite slightly raising vehicle costs. Expanding helmet demand could double production and create 100,000 jobs, while lowering GST may improve affordability.

Alarmed by the proliferation of non-BIS-compliant and counterfeit helmets flooding the market, the Indian government has taken decisive action. A new mandate requires all two-wheeler manufacturers to provide two certified helmets with every vehicle sold, aiming to bolster road safety. While this move might slightly elevate vehicle prices, it promises significant improvements in rider protection.

The rule was first announced in a gazette notification issued in June of last year. However, its implementation has faced delays. Rajeev Kapur, Steelbird's Managing Director, highlighted this regulation's potential to close a longstanding safety gap caused by the rampant sale of fake helmets through dealerships. In an exclusive interview with ANI, Kapur stated that enforcing the mandatory two-helmet rule could cut road accident fatalities by up to 25% over time.

Currently, counterfeit helmets are produced at a minimal cost but sold at significantly higher prices, offering little protection. Kapur emphasized that supplying genuine, BIS-certified helmets will not only save lives but also disrupt the unethical parallel market. Furthermore, the rule may double the annual demand for certified helmets, necessitating substantial investments and potentially creating 100,000 jobs. Lowering GST on helmets could further encourage the adoption of genuine safety gear, thereby reducing India's significant road accident burden.

(With inputs from agencies.)