India is set to take a major step forward in two-wheeler safety. The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways recently proposed a change to the Central Motor Vehicle Rules, 1989. This proposal will require manufacturers to provide two BIS-certified helmets - one for the rider and one for the pillion - with every new two-wheeler sold in the country starting January 2026. The objective is to promote safer riding habits and reduce road fatalities, especially among pillion riders who often do not wear helmets. Dealerships will also need to deliver both helmets at the time of vehicle handover. For an industry that has long struggled with poor safety awareness and widespread use of fake helmets, this new regulation could bring about much-needed change. According to Rajeev Kapur, Managing Director of Steelbird, this rule could lead to a significant increase in helmet demand. Kapur mentioned that if every new two-wheeler comes with two helmets, the annual requirement could exceed 4 crore helmets. However, a challenge lies ahead as India's actual production capacity for genuine ISI-certified helmets is only around 3 crore units per year, leaving a substantial gap. The proposed rule aligns with the government's broader efforts to reduce road fatalities, with over 1.5 lakh deaths reported annually in India due to road accidents, a significant portion of which involve two-wheeler riders. Steelbird, one of India's largest helmet manufacturers, is already heavily investing in automation and plant expansion. The company plans to introduce 75 new helmet models over the next five years, catering to various segments from budget to premium. Despite these positive steps, the issue of fake helmets remains a concern. Approximately half of the helmets used on Indian roads are counterfeit, lacking safety standards and providing inadequate protection. Kapur emphasized the importance of strong enforcement to ensure that only genuine ISI-marked products are sold and that any law mandating two helmets per vehicle must have robust checks in place. Kapur believes that effective enforcement of this law will not only save more lives but also help eliminate counterfeit helmet suppliers from the market. Discover everything about the automotive world at Times of India.

Oben Electric has expanded its Rorr electric motorcycle range with a new Sigma trim. The new variant has been launched at an introductory price starting at Rs 1.27 lakh, ex-showroom, for a limited period. The model is available in two battery options: 3.4 kWh and 4.4 kWh. The prices will later move to Rs 1.47 lakh and Rs 1.55 lakh respectively. Deliveries are set to begin on August 15, 2025, with bookings now open for Rs 2,999. Test rides have already begun across Oben showrooms, and the motorcy

Delhi Traffic Police has come up with a new way to not only curb violations but also reward vigilant citizens. The department has relaunched the Traffic Prahari app, a platform that lets users report violations. With the app, users can easily report traffic violations they witness in real time. All they need to do is register on the app using their phone number and email ID. Once registered, they can upload photos or videos of traffic rule violations directly through the app. The best part? Peop

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Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India has claimed the top spot in two-wheeler sales for July 2025, pushing Hero MotoCorp to second place. Honda clocked a total of 5,15,378 units, which includes 4,66,331 units sold in the domestic market and 49,047 units exported overseas.

TN CM M K Stalin signs first VF7 SUV at VinFast’s India plant inauguration in Thoothukudi. Vietnamese electric vehicle maker, VinFast, has officially marked its entry into India by setting up its first manufacturing facility in the country. The facility is located in Tamil Nadu and spans 400 acres. This is VinFast's third operational plant globally and the first one outside Vietnam. The Tamil Nadu plant will initially focus on assembling the VF 6 and VF 7 electric SUVs, with a

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A recent report has brought to light significant concerns regarding the responsible maintenance of vehicles in India. Despite a surge in vehicle ownership, a large number of motorists are neglecting fundamental legal obligations such as insurance and pollution checks. Despite the implementation of stricter regulations and increased awareness about road safety, millions of vehicles in the country continue to operate without valid insurance or a Pollution Under Control Certificate (PUCC). These re