The Government of India has announced a major step to improve road safety by making advanced safety technologies compulsory in heavy commercial vehicles (HCVs), including trucks and buses. The decision was shared in Parliament by Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Jairam Gadkari, highlighting the government’s focus on reducing accidents involving large vehicles on highways.
As per the announcement, updated braking performance standards will be made mandatory for heavy commercial vehicles starting October 1, 2027. These revised norms aim to improve overall braking efficiency and vehicle control, especially in high-speed and emergency situations. The move is expected to significantly enhance on-road safety for both drivers and other road users.
From the same date, Electronic Stability Control (ESC) systems will also become compulsory in heavy vehicles. ESC helps prevent skidding and loss of control during sudden turns or sharp braking. Along with ESC, Advanced Emergency Braking Systems (AEBS) will be required, allowing vehicles to automatically apply brakes if the driver fails to react in time to avoid a collision.
In the next phase, beginning January 1, 2028, additional advanced driver assistance features will be introduced. These include Blind Spot Information Systems (BSIS) to detect vehicles or pedestrians in hard-to-see areas, Moving-Off Information Systems (MOIS) to alert drivers before starting the vehicle, Driver Drowsiness and Attention Warning Systems, and Lane Departure Warning Systems. These technologies are designed to protect vulnerable road users and reduce crashes caused by fatigue or blind spots.
Apart from electronic safety systems, the government has already introduced other measures to improve driver comfort and safety. For example, air-conditioning in truck cabins will be mandatory from October 1, 2025, aimed at improving driver working conditions and reducing fatigue during long journeys.
These regulations are being implemented under the broader safety framework of the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways. The overall objective is to modernize India’s commercial vehicle fleet, align with global safety practices, and bring down the number of road accidents involving heavy vehicles across the country.
