New Delhi: The government of India on Friday said it has made the passenger side airbag mandatory from April 1 while all existing models can be sold after August 31 this year, only after being fitted with this safety gear.

This mandatory provision was notified by the road transport ministry on Tuesday.

The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) in a gazette notification announced the new rule that will require all new vehicles to have dual front airbags as standard fitment from 1 April, 2021.

“This has been mandated as an important safety feature, and is also based on the suggestions of the Supreme Court Committee on Road Safety,” the ministry said.

“Ministry has issued Gazette notification regarding mandatory provision of an airbag for passenger seated on front seat of a vehicle, next to driver. This has been mandated as an important safety feature & is also based on suggestions of Supreme Court Committee on Road Safety,” the notification said.

It has been mandated that the vehicles manufactured on and after the 1st Day of April, 2021, in the case of new models, and 31st day of August, 2021, in the case of existing models, shall be fitted with airbag for the person occupying the front seat, other than the driver

— PIBIndiaMoRTH (@PIBMoRTH) March 5, 2021

The step aims to improve passenger safety in case of an accident.