New Delhi : The Government has reiterated that all motor vehicle manufacturers and importers must comply with strict safety certification procedures before their vehicles are introduced in the Indian market. Under Rule 126 of the Central Motor Vehicles Rules (CMVR), 1989, every manufacturer or importer is required to submit the vehicle prototype for testing at authorized agencies to ensure compliance with the Motor Vehicles Act and associated rules. This information was shared by Minister of State for Heavy Industries, Bhupathiraju Srinivasa Varma, in a written reply to the Lok Sabha today.
Road Accident Trends Highlight Multiple Causes
The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways publishes the annual “Road Accidents in India” report based on data provided by State and UT police departments. An analysis of this data shows that road accidents are caused by a combination of factors, including:
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Over-speeding
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Use of mobile phones while driving
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Drunken driving or substance consumption
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Wrong-side driving and lane indiscipline
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Jumping traffic signals
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Non-use of helmets, seat belts and other safety devices
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Poor vehicle condition
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Weather and road conditions
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Fault of drivers, cyclists or pedestrians
Government Empowered to Recall Defective Vehicles
Under Section 110A of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, the Central Government has the authority to direct manufacturers to recall certain types or variants of motor vehicles in case of safety defects. To strengthen this mechanism, the Ministry inserted Rule 127C through G.S.R. 173(E) dated 11 March 2021, specifying the procedures for issuing recall notices and carrying out vehicle recalls.
15.57 Lakh Vehicles Recalled in Four Years
According to data maintained by the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM) under its Voluntary Recall Code, more than 15.57 lakh vehicles have been recalled across India due to safety defects during the last three years and the current year.
The year-wise recall numbers are as follows:
| Year | 2-Wheelers | Passenger Cars | Total Vehicles Recalled |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 1,94,397 | 94,368 | 2,88,765 |
| 2023 | 1,57,820 | 1,27,086 | 2,84,906 |
| 2024 | 8,33,476 | 30,875 | 8,64,351 |
| 2025 (up to 26 Nov 2025) | 5,918 | 1,13,255 | 1,19,173 |
| Grand Total | 11,91,611 | 3,65,584 | 15,57,195 |
The data shows a major spike in 2024, driven primarily by over 8.3 lakh two-wheelers being recalled due to safety issues.
Minister’s Statement in Parliament