India to mandate Autonomous Emergency Braking Systems in new cars

The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) has proposed a roadmap to mandate Autonomous Emergency Braking Systems (AEBS) in new passenger vehicles to enhance road safety and reduce accidents.

Under the proposed regulations, all new vehicles in the M1 category—which includes passenger cars with up to eight seats—will be required to feature this technology. While one report suggests a timeline starting from 2030, another indicates a potential implementation date of October 1, 2032.

AEBS utilizes a network of high-definition cameras, millimeter-wave radar, and sensors to monitor the distance and speed of vehicles, pedestrians, and cyclists. The system operates in stages: first by providing visual and audio alerts to the driver, then by increasing braking power if the driver responds insufficiently, and finally by applying the brakes autonomously to prevent or mitigate a collision.

The mandate is expected to impact the automotive market, particularly for entry-level vehicles. While AEBS is common in premium models via Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS), integrating the necessary hardware, software, and wiring into budget-friendly cars will likely lead to increased vehicle prices.