Gadkari plans automatic ADAS breaking in all cars

Nitin Gadkari ADAS breaking proposal — Automatic braking may become mandatory in new cars from October 2030. Here's what Nitin Gadkari's ministry proposes, the AEBS deadlines and ADAS features.

India could make automatic emergency braking mandatory in new cars from October 2030 under proposed road safety rules being considered by the Union Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, led by Nitin Gadkari, a TOI report stated. The move would bring an important advanced driver assistance system (ADAS) feature into the country's vehicle safety requirements, with taxis also expected to receive greater attention.

According to the reported proposal, all new car models introduced from October 2030 would need to have an advanced emergency braking system (AEBS). Existing models that continue to be manufactured beyond that deadline would get additional time, with the requirement proposed to take effect from October 2032. The ministry is expected to issue a draft notification outlining the proposed timelines for different safety technologies. The dates are intended to give automakers time to prepare for the changes and incorporate the required systems into their vehicles.

What is an advanced emergency braking system?

An advanced emergency braking system is designed to help prevent a collision or reduce its impact when a driver fails to react in time. The technology uses sensors and other electronic systems to monitor the road ahead and identify potential hazards. If the system detects an imminent collision, it can warn the driver and automatically apply the brakes when necessary. Depending on the circumstances, this intervention may help avoid a crash or reduce the vehicle's speed before impact.

For example, if a car approaches another vehicle that has suddenly slowed down and the driver does not brake quickly enough, AEBS may intervene to reduce the risk of a rear-end collision. The system is meant to assist drivers, not replace them. Its effectiveness can depend on factors such as sensor performance, road conditions, visibility and the type of obstacle detected.

What is ADAS, and how does it help drivers?

Advanced driver assistance systems, commonly known as ADAS, cover a range of electronic features that help drivers identify risks and respond to changing road conditions. Some systems issue alerts, while others can take limited control of braking or steering. Depending on the vehicle and its equipment, ADAS features can include:

Automatic emergency braking: Applies the brakes when a collision appears imminent and the driver does not respond adequately.
Lane departure warning: Alerts the driver when the vehicle unintentionally moves out of its lane.
Emergency lane keeping: Helps prevent the vehicle from leaving its lane in a potentially dangerous situation.
Blind spot monitoring: Warns the driver about vehicles in areas that may not be visible in the mirrors.
Driver drowsiness and attention warnings: Detects signs of reduced alertness and prompts the driver to pay attention or take a break.

Not every car equipped with ADAS offers all these features. Their availability varies by model, variant and manufacturer.

Taxis could face additional safety requirements

As per the TOI report, the proposed changes are also expected to focus on taxis, whose drivers often spend long hours on the road. For drivers who cover long distances or work extended shifts, these technologies could provide an additional layer of protection. Drowsiness alerts may prompt a driver to stop and rest, while lane-keeping assistance could help prevent unintended lane departures.

Automobile and mobility expert Rama Pandey told TOI that the technologies could benefit commercial drivers by reducing the burden of safety-critical driving decisions and making long hours behind the wheel less strenuous.

Safety rules for trucks and buses are already being introduced

The proposed car requirements come alongside safety measures for commercial vehicles. As per the report, new truck and bus models will be required to have AEBS from January 2027. Other features being introduced for these vehicles include blind spot information, moving-off information, driver drowsiness detection and alerts, and lane departure warning systems.

These technologies address different risks. Blind spot systems can alert drivers to vehicles they may not see, while moving-off information can help identify hazards when a vehicle starts moving. Commercial vehicles are an important focus for road safety because they often operate for extended periods and may have larger blind spots or require longer distances to stop, depending on their size, load and speed.

Will automatic braking become compulsory in every car by 2030?

Not necessarily in the same way or on the same date. Under the reported proposal, the October 2030 deadline would apply to all new car models, while models already in production before the deadline would have until October 2032. The distinction matters because a vehicle model launched after the deadline may need to comply earlier than an older model that remains on sale.

The exact scope of the requirements, the treatment of different vehicle categories and the deadlines for individual ADAS features will become clearer once the ministry publishes its draft notification.