New Delhi: The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) has announced a sweeping new regulation that will require all new two-wheelers sold in India to be equipped with Anti-lock Braking Systems (ABS) starting January 1, 2026, regardless of engine size or model category.
The move is part of a broader push by the central government to reduce the country’s high rate of road accidents and enhance rider safety, particularly for two-wheeler users who constitute a majority of crash victims in India.
Until now, only two-wheelers with engine capacities above 125cc were required to have ABS, while smaller bikes needed a less advanced braking setup.
In a parallel measure, the ministry has also directed all two-wheeler dealers to supply two BIS-certified helmets with every vehicle sold, addressing growing concerns over non-compliance with helmet laws and the resulting fatalities from head injuries.
ABS is designed to prevent wheels from locking during sudden or hard braking, allowing riders to maintain better control of their vehicle, especially on slippery or uneven road surfaces.
The system significantly reduces the risk of skidding, helps maintain steering control, and shortens braking distances making it a critical safety feature for Indian road conditions.
This technology is particularly effective in emergency situations, where panic braking often leads to loss of balance and fatal crashes, especially on wet or poorly maintained roads.
According to government data, two-wheelers were involved in 44.5 per cent of all road accidents recorded in 2022, making them the single largest category in crash statistics.
The government’s decision to extend the ABS mandate across all segments reflects a growing urgency to address safety gaps across the most affordable and widely used categories.
While the policy has been welcomed by road safety advocates, industry experts caution that it could push up prices for entry-level motorcycles, particularly those in the 100cc–110cc range. Estimates suggest that installing ABS could increase the cost of these models by Rs 2,000 to Rs 2,500, depending on the make and technology configuration.
