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The Meteor 350 was the first motorcycle built on Royal Enfield’s J-series platform, launched in India back in 2020. It arrived as the successor to the popular Thunderbird, aiming to carry forward that legacy in a more modern package. Over the years, Royal Enfield has refreshed the Meteor with new paint schemes and some feature additions, but for 2025, the brand is rolling out a more substantial update. The changes go beyond just colours, bringing upgrades in line with what we’ve already seen on the revised Classic 350 and Hunter 350.
Also Read:GST 2.0: Royal Enfield Classic 350, Hunter Prices Slashed; Himalayan, Super Meteor Pricier By Up To Rs 29,500
Starting with the prices, the outgoing Meteor 350 was priced from Rs 2.08 lakh to Rs 2.32 lakh (ex-showroom). Thanks to the revised GST, the Meteor 350 is now priced from Rs 1.96 lakh to Rs 2.15 lakh (ex-showroom). Colour options for the updated motorcycle include Fireball Orange & Fireball Grey, which are offered in the base variant, Stellar Matt Grey & Stellar Marine Blue, Aurora Retro Green & Aurora Red and the top-spec Supernova Black.
Variant
Colourway
Price (ex-showroom)
Fireball
Fireball Orange & Fireball Grey
₹1,95,762
Stellar
Stellar Matt Grey & Stellar Marine Blue
₹2,03,419
Stellar (Kerala only)
Stellar Matt Grey & Stellar Marine Blue
₹1,99,990
Aurora
Aurora Retro Green & Aurora Red
₹2,06,290
Supernova
Supernova Black
₹2,15,883
As for the updates, the Meteor 350 keeps its familiar design, with most of the changes centred around features. The LED headlamp – already offered on other RE models – is now standard across all variants, along with the Tripper navigation pod.
The cruiser also gets new LED turn indicators, while the most notable addition is a slipper clutch. This upgrade, first introduced on the Classic 350 and later on the Hunter 350, has now made its way to the Meteor. Other feature additions include a USB Type-C fast-charging port; meanwhile, the Supernova and Aurora trims add adjustable levers to the list.
In terms of powertrain, the updated Meteor 350 continues with the tried and tested 349 cc, single-cylinder, air-cooled motor, which puts out 20.2 bhp and 27 Nm of peak torque. This engine is mated to a five-speed gearbox.
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Along with slashing prices for the C 400 GT by Rs 92,000, BMW Motorrad India has reduced the price of its entry-level fully faired motorcycle, the BMW G 310 RR, following the recent revision in GST rates for motorcycles. The updated price comes into effect from September 22, 2025.
The standard variant of the G 310 RR, previously priced at Rs 3.05 lakh (ex-showroom), now comes at a sticker price of Rs 2.81 lakh (ex-showroom). This represents a reduction of Rs 24,000, making the motorcycle more accessible to buyers.
The G 310 RR is BMW Motorrad’s most affordable fully-faired motorcycle in India, developed in partnership with TVS Motor Company. It shares its platform with the TVS Apache RR 310 but carries BMW’s styling and brand positioning.
Also Read:GST Hiked To 40% On Motorcycles Above 350cc
The bike is powered by a 312 cc single-cylinder, liquid-cooled engine that produces 34 bhp at 9,700 rpm and 27.3 Nm at 7,700 rpm, paired with a 6-speed gearbox. Some of the features include ride-by-wire throttle, riding modes, dual-channel ABS, full-LED lighting, and a colour TFT display.
With the revised price, the BMW G 310 RR now sits more competitively in the sub-Rs 3 lakh segment, where it rivals models like the KTM RC 390, TVS Apache RR 310 and the likes.
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KTM India recently launched the 160 Duke in the country at a price tag of Rs 1.85 lakh (ex-showroom). The new 160 Duke is now the entry-level model in the Duke family, after the KTM 125 Duke was discontinued earlier this year. Let’s take a closer look at the most powerful 160 cc offering in the Indian market, currently.
The KTM 160 Duke looks like the KTM 200 Duke, and that is primarily because both share the same platform. Thereby, the hardware components are the same.
The overall design of the baby Duke is very sharp and sporty, and as KTM says, targeted at young riders in the 18-24 years age bracket, and will also address other riders upgrading from smaller machines.
The 160 Duke is offered with the colour options: Electronic Orange, Atlantic Blue & Silver Metallic Matte.
Based on the first-generation platform of the Duke family, which included the KTM 200 Duke and KTM 125 Duke, the new KTM 160 Duke is built around an all-new 160 cc single-cylinder, liquid-cooled engine.
Braking hardware includes a 320 mm front disc and a 230 mm rear disc.
The 160 Duke has a kerb weight of 147 kg, a seat height of 815 mm, and ground clearance of 174 mm, while the fuel tank capacity is rated to be 10.1 litres.
Like the rest of the Duke family, the KTM 160 Duke sits on a steel trellis frame with WP Apex upside-down front fork and a WP monoshock rear suspension.
The entry-level KTM model goes up against the Yamaha MT-15. To know how it fares against the Yamaha, tap here.
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Royal Enfield has announced a sweeping price revision across its lineup, following the recent GST rate reduction. While the brand’s 350 cc models are set to get more affordable, the bigger 450 cc and 650 cc motorcycles will see prices move upward. The changes, effective from September 22, 2025, aim to pass on the full impact of the revised tax structure to customers. For buyers, this means a mixed bag, more
accessible entry-level bikes, but higher tags for the larger machines.
The 350 cc lineup, which includes the Hunter (Rs 1.38 lakh - Rs 1.67 lakh), Bullet (Rs 1.62 lakh - Rs 2.02 lakh), Classic (Rs 1.81 lakh - Rs 2.16 lakh), Meteor (Rs 1.91 lakh - Rs 2.14 lakh), and the Goan Classic (Rs 2.18 lakh - Rs 2.21 lakh), has seen a significant drop in prices.
On average, the 350 cc bikes are cheaper by about Rs 12,000 to Rs 19,000, translating to an 8.2 per cent reduction. That makes the entry-level Royal Enfield range a good bit easier on the wallet for new buyers.
Moving into the 450 cc range, models like the Scram (Rs 2.23 lakh - Rs 2.31 lakh), Guerrilla (Rs 2.56 lakh - Rs 2.72 lakh), and Himalayan (Rs 3.06 lakh - Rs 3.20 lakh) have become more expensive, with hikes ranging between Rs 15,000 and Rs 21,000, or roughly 7.3 per cent.
At the top end, the 650 cc machines, including the Interceptor (Rs 3.32 lakh - Rs 3.63 lakh), Continental GT (Rs 3.50 lakh - Rs 3.78 lakh), Classic 650 (Rs 3.61 lakh - Rs 3.75 lakh), Shotgun (Rs 3.94 lakh - Rs 4.09 lakh), Bear 650 (Rs 3.72 lakh - Rs 3.94 lakh), and the Super Meteor (Rs 3.99 lakh- Rs 4.32 lakh), also see a bump in prices.
Increases for the 650 cc lineup are slightly higher, ranging from about Rs 22,000 to almost Rs 30,000 (again around 7.3 per cent). While it’s a heavier hit, these bikes still remain among the most affordable twin-cylinder motorcycles in India.
Here is the entire table along with old and new prices, variant/model-wise, respectively:
Model
Colour/Variant
Pre GST
(₹)
Post GST
(₹)
difference in ₹
Change in %
Hunter
Factory
1,49,900
1,37,640
-12,260
-8.2%
Hunter
Dapper & Rio
1,76,750
1,62,292
-14,458
-8.2%
Hunter
Rebel/London/Tokyo
1,81,750
1,66,883
-14,867
-8.2%
Bullet
Battalion
1,76625
1,62,161
-14,464
-8.2%
Bullet
Military
1,77,316
1,62,795
-14,521
-8.2%
Bullet
Standard
2,01,707
1,85,187
-16,520
-8.2%
Bullet
Black Gold
2,20,466
2,02,409
-18,057
-8.2%
Classic
Redditch SC
1,97,253
1,81,118
-16,135
-8.2%
Classic
Halcyon SC
2,00,157
1,83,784
-16,373
-8.2%
Classic
Madras Red & Jodhpur Blue
2,03,813
1,87,141
-16,672
-8.2%
Classic
Medallion Bronze
2,08,415
1,91,366
-17,049
-8.2%
Classic
Commando Sand
2,20,669
2,02,617
-18,052
-8.2%
Classic
Gun Grey & Stealth Black
2,298,66
2,11,062
-18,804
-8.2%
Classic
Emerald Green
2,34,972
2,15,750
-19,222
-8.2%
Meteor
Fireball
2,08,270
1,91,233
-17,037
-8.2%
Meteor
Stellar
2,18,385
2,00,520
-17,865
-8.2%
Meteor
Aurora
2,22,430
2,04,234
-18,196
-8.2%
Meteor
Supernova
2,32,545
2,13,521
-19,024
-8.2%
Goan Classic
Purple Haze
2,37,351
2,17,934
-19,417
-8.2%
Goan Classic
Shack black
2,37,351
2,17,934
-19,417
-8.2%
Goan Classic
Rave Red
2,40,381
2,20,716
-19,665
-8.2%
Goan Classic
Trip Teal
2,40,381
2,20,716
-19,665
-8.2%
Scram
Trail Green
2,08,000
2,23,131
+15,131
+7.3%
Scram
Trail Blue
2,08,000
2,23,131
+15,131
+7.3%
Scram
Force Grey
2,15,000
2,30,641
+15,641
+7.3%
Scram
Force Teal
2,15,000
2,30,641
+15,641
+7.3%
Scram
Force Blue
2,15,000
2,30,641
+15,641
+7.3%
Guerrilla
Smoke silver
2,39,000
2,56,387
+17,387
+7.3%
Guerrilla
Yellow Ribbon
2,54,000
2,72,479
+18,479
+7.3%
Guerrilla
Brava Blue
2,54,000
2,72,479
+18,479
+7.3%
Himalayan
Kaza Brown
2,85,000
3,05,736
+20,736
+7.3%
Himalayan
State Himalayan Salt
2,89,000
3,10,028
+21,028
+7.3%
Himalayan
State Poppy Blue
2,89,000
3,10,028
+21,028
+7.3%
Himalayan
Kamet White
2,93,000
3,14,319
+21,319
+7.3%
Himalayan
Hanle Black
2,98,000
3,19,682
+21,682
+7.3%
Interceptor
Cali Green
3,09,551
3,32,073
+22,522
+7.3%
Interceptor
Canyon Red
3,09,551
3,32,073
+22,522
+7.3%
Interceptor
Sunset Strip
3,17,728
3,40,845
+23,117
+7.3%
Interceptor
Barcelona Blue
3,27,943
3,51,804
+23,861
+7.3%
Interceptor
Black Ray
3,27,943
3,51,804
+23,861
+7.3%
Interceptor
Mark 2
3,381,58
3,62,762
+24,604
+7.3%
Continental GT
British Racing Green
3,25,897
3,49,609
+23,712
+7.3%
Continental GT
Rocker Red
3,25,897
3,49,609
+23,712
+7.3%
Continental GT
Apex Grey
3,46.330
3,71,529
+25,199
+7.3%
Continental GT
Slip Stream Blue
3,46,330
3,71,529
+25,199
+7.3%
Continental GT
Mr Clean
3,52.459
3,78,104
+25,645
+7.3%
Classic 650
Vallam Red
3,36,610
3,61,243
+24,633
+7.3%
Classic 650
Bruntingthorpe Blue
3,36,610
3,61,243
+24,633
+7.3%
Classic 650
Teal
3,41,037
3,65,995
+24,958
+7.3%
Classic 650
Black Chrome
3,49,890
3,75,497
+25,607
+7.3%
Shotgun
Sheet Metal Grey
3,67,202
3,94,076
+26,874
+7.3%
Shotgun
Plasma Blue
3,78,140
4,05,814
+27,674
+7.3%
Shotgun
Drill Green
3,78,140
4,05,814
+27,674
+7.3%
Shotgun
Stencil White
3,81,064
4,08,953
+27,889
+7.3%
Bear 650
Board Walk
3,46,330
3,71,675
+25,345
+7.3%
Bear 650
Wild Honey
3,51,441
3,77,161
+25,720
+7.3%
Bear 650
Petrol Green
3,51,441
3,77,161
+25,720
+7.3%
Bear 650
Golden Shadow
3,58,591
3,84,834
+26,243
+7.3%
Bear 650
Two Four Nine
3,66,760
3,93,601
+26,841
+7.3%
Super Meteor
Astral Green
3,71,767
3,98,975
+27,208
+7.3%
Super Meteor
Astral Black
3,71,767
3,98,975
+27,208
+7.3%
Super Meteor
Interstellar Grey
3,87,320
4,15,667
+28,347
+7.3%
Super Meteor
Interstellar Green
3,87,320
4,15,667
+28,347
+7.3%
Super Meteor
Celestial Blue
4,02,876
4,32,362
+29,486
+7.3%
Super Meteor
Celestial Red
4,02,876
4,32,362
+29,486
+7.3%
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Following the recent revision in GST, BMW Motorrad India has reduced the price of its C 400 GT scooter by Rs 92,000, bringing the new ex-showroom price down to Rs 10.83 lakh. The new prices will take effect on September 22, 2025. The premium maxi-scooter was previously priced at Rs 11.75 lakh, and the updated model was launched in India in March 2025.
Powering the C 400 GT is a 350 cc, single-cylinder, liquid-cooled engine that produces 33.5 bhp at 7,500 rpm and 35 Nm of peak torque at 5,750 rpm. It features a 12.8-litre fuel tank and weighs in at 214 kg (kerb). Suspension duties are handled by a telescopic fork up front and dual preload-adjustable springs at the rear, paired with 15-inch front and 14-inch rear alloy wheels.
In terms of equipment, the scooter is equipped with a 10.25-inch TFT display that offers Bluetooth connectivity, while it also includes a USB-C charging port. It has a 4.5-litre compartment at the front and 37.6 litres of storage under the seat.
The new GST rule comes into effect on September 22, bringing a reduced tax rate for two-wheelers with engine capacities up to 350 cc, down from 28 per cent to 18 per cent.
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Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India has announced a voluntary recall for certain Africa Twin motorcycles made between 2019 and 2025. This recall is part of a wider global campaign to address a specific issue with the wiring in the left handlebar switch.
The issue stems from the harness wire inside the handlebar, which can bend repeatedly due to normal steering movements. Over time, this can cause oxidation at the wire joints, potentially leading to electrical problems. Because of this, owners might notice that the horn doesn’t work or they have trouble switching the headlight from low beam to high beam.
Starting the last week of January 2026, Honda’s BigWing dealerships across India will replace the faulty parts free of charge, no matter of whether your bike is still under warranty or not. Honda will also reach out to affected owners via calls, emails, or messages to get their bikes checked.
On the motorcycle itself, the Africa Twin packs a 1,048 cc parallel-twin engine, producing 100.5 bhp and 112 Nm of torque. It was offered with a choice of a 6-speed manual or Honda’s DCT automatic gearbox.
For those waiting to see the Africa Twin back on Indian roads, Honda is expected to bring the model back to India in 2026. The adventure bike was previously sold here but was quietly taken off the market after the BS6 Phase 2 emission rules came into effect.
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BMW India has announced revised prices across its ICE/hybrid models, following the recent GST revision by the government. The reductions range from Rs 1.60 lakh on the entry-level BMW, the 2 Series Gran Coupe, to a significant Rs 13.60 lakh on the BMW M8.
Looking at the numbers, the smallest price cut is on the BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe 218i M Sport variant (45.30 lakh), which is now Rs 1.60 lakh cheaper. Moving up the lineup, the 3 Series Long Wheelbase (Rs 60 lakh - Rs 62 lakh) variants have dropped by around Rs 3.45 lakh to Rs 3.55 lakh.
The 5 Series Long Wheelbase 530Li M Sport (Rs 72.35 lakh) is now cheaper by Rs 4.15 lakh. The 7 Series Long Wheelbase (Rs 1.79 crore - Rs 1.82 crore) have seen more substantial cuts, with differences ranging between Rs 10.25 lakh and Rs 10.45 lakh.
The compact X1 (Rs 50 lakh - Rs 52 lakh) see reductions between Rs 1.80 lakh and Rs 3.75 lakh, depending on the variant. The SUV range also enjoys considerable price reductions.
The mid-sized X3 (Rs 71 lakh - Rs 73 lakh) variants are Rs 5.10 lakh to Rs 5.20 lakh less expensive, while the larger X5 (Rs 94 lakh - Rs 1.07 lakh) models have seen price drops from Rs 6.70 lakh up to Rs 7.65 lakh. The X7 (Rs 1.25 crore - Rs 1.29 crore) variants follow closely, with differences ranging from Rs 8.95 lakh to Rs 9.25 lakh.
BMW’s performance M Series has benefited from some of the steepest price cuts. The M340i (Rs 73 lakh - Rs 78 lakh) models are cheaper by around Rs 4.15 lakh to Rs 4.25 lakh, and the Z4 M40i (Rs 88 lakh) by Rs 5 lakh.
The high-performance M2 (Rs 1 crore) sees a price cut of Rs 5.75 lakh, while the M4 Competition and M4 CS (Rs 1.52 crore - Rs 1.79 crore) have been reduced by Rs 8.7 lakh and Rs 10.2 lakh, respectively. The M5 (Rs 2 crore) is down by Rs 4.3 lakh, and the range-topping M8 gets the biggest price slash of Rs 13.6 lakh. Even the XM (Rs 2.55 crore) model is more affordable by Rs 5.45 lakh.
Here is the entire list with old and new prices, along with the differences in price:
Models
Variants
Current Price (₹)
Price From 22 Sep 25 (₹)
Price Difference (₹)
BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe
218i M Sport
4,690,000
4,530,000
1.60 lakh
218i M Sport Pro
4,890,000
4,720,000
1.70 lakh
BMW 3 Series Long Wheelbase
320Ld M Sport
6,530,000
6,175,000
3.55 lakh
330Li M Sport
6,390,000
6,045,000
3.45 lakh
330Li M Sport 50 Jahre
6,400,000
6,055,000
3.45 lakh
BMW 5 Series Long Wheelbase
530Li M Sport
7,650,000
7,235,000
4.15 lakh
BMW 7 Series Long Wheelbase
740d M Sport
19,290,000
18,245,000
10.45 lakh
740i M Sport
18,970,000
17,945,000
10.25 lakh
BMW X1
X1 sDrive18i M Sport
5,240,000
5,060,000
1.80 lakh
X1 sDrive18d M Sport
5,590,000
5,215,000
3.75 lakh
BMW X3
X3 xDrive20d M Sport
7,830,000
7,310,000
5.20 lakh
X3 xDrive20 M Sport
7,630,000
7,120,000
5.10 lakh
BMW X5
X5 xDrive30d
10,230,000
9,550,000
6.80 lakh
X5 xDrive30d M Sport Pro
11,500,000
10,735,000
7.65 lakh
X5 xDrive40i M Sport Pro
11,300,000
10,545,000
7.55 lakh
X5 xDrive40i
10,030,000
9,360,000
6.70 lakh
BMW X7
X7 xDrive40i M Sport
13,440,000
12,545,000
8.95 lakh
X7 xDrive40d DPE
13,440,000
12,545,000
8.95 lakh
X7 xDrive40d M Sport
13,840,000
12,915,000
9.25 lakh
BMW M Series
M340i xDrive
7,820,000
7,395,000
4.25 lakh
M340i xDrive 50 Jahre
7,690,000
7,275,000
4.15 lakh
Z4 M40i
9,290,000
8,790,000
5.00 lakh
M2
10,600,000
10,025,000
5.75 lakh
M4 Competition
16,100,000
15,230,000
8.70 lakh
M4 CS
18,900,000
17,880,000
10.20 lakh
M5
20,500,000
20,070,000
4.30 lakh
M8
25,200,000
23,840,000
13.60 lakh
XM
26,000,000
25,455,000
5.45 lakh
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Skoda will launch the new fourth-gen Octavia RS in India in November this year. The performance sedan was first showcased in India in its latest guise at the Bharat Mobility Expo 2025 with the model arriving in India post receiving a facelift in global markets in 2024. The launch would also mark the return of the Octavia nameplate to India after an almost 2.5-year hiatus with the sedan, previously sold in the pre-facelift guise, discontinued in 2023 with the implementation of the BS6 Phase 2 norms.
The 2024 facelift brought some noticeable changes to the Octavia line-up, including a refreshed front fascia with new Matrix LED headlamps with angular daytime running lamps, tweaks to the grille and tail lamps. The RS, meanwhile, adds more sportier design elements, including larger wheels, sportier bumpers and a boot lip spoiler.
Moving to the cabin, the RS gets sports seats up front, though the more notable update is expected to be to the infotainment system. The RS is expected to come with a 13-inch touchscreen as standard - up from the 10-inch unit previously offered on the standard fourth-gen sedan in India.
The biggest draw, however, is likely to be the powertrain with a familiar 2.0-litre turbo-petrol paired with a 7-speed DSG automatic sitting under the hood, pushing out a strong 261 bhp and 370 Nm. The performance sedan can accelerate from 0 to 100 kmph in 6.6 seconds, with a top speed of 250 kmph.
Alongside the debut of the all-new GLC EV, Mercedes-Benz also provided the first glimpse at the upcoming all-electric C-Class. The new C-Class with EQ Tech will share its underpinnings with the GLC EV, meaning it will sit on the dedicated MB.EA platform, different from the platform used by the existing internal combustion sedan. This should also result in a difference in the overall dimensions, with the electric C likely to feature a longer wheelbase to maximise cabin space.
The sole teaser image confirms that the new GLC EV’s large illuminated grille with the oversized three-point star logo at the centre and three horizontal slats. The headlamps also get the same three-point star LED signatures as seen on the new CLA and GLC EV.
Other noticeable elements include softer, more rounded bodylines, as against sharp cuts and creases, along with a noticeable flare above the rear haunch. The C-Class EV also look to feature flush-sitting door handles as with the new GLC EV.
New C-Class EV is expected to share all the tech that debuted in the new GLC Electric.
On the powertrain and tech front, expect all the bells and whistles from the SUV to be offered on the sedan, including the widescreen 39.1-inch MBUX Hyperscreen in fully kitted-out spec. Lower variants could replace the co-driver touchscreen with a simpler digital display panel - as on the GLC EV, or could simply make use of illuminated graphics on the vertical surface.
As for motive power, the C-Class EV should inherit the same 94 kWh battery as the new GLC EV with the drivetrain also expected to offer up to 483 bhp in range-topping spec. Mercedes has said that the new C-Class EV will do up to 800 km on a single charge.
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Maharashtra is set to reintroduce and strictly enforce the “No PUC, No Fuel” policy across the state, requiring all vehicles to have a valid Pollution Under Control (PUC) certificate to refuel. A similar rule was first imposed in 2019, but struggled due to poor enforcement and loopholes, which allowed many vehicles without valid certificates to continue refuelling. The announcement comes from Maharashtra transport minister Pratap Sarnaik on his X (formerly Twitter) handle.
“To provide a pollution-free environment to future generations, it is essential for the current generation to impose certain environmentally friendly restrictions on themselves,” Sarnaik said. He highlighted the need to stop the production of illegal PUC certificates, which undermine efforts to control pollution.
Under this new policy, every vehicle’s registration number will be scanned via CCTV cameras at petrol pumps to verify the validity of its PUC certificate. Vehicles found without a valid certificate will be denied fuel. Petrol stations, which already have designated areas for issuing PUC certificates, will continue to provide these certificates on the spot as well.
The PUC certificates will feature a Unique Identity (UID), allowing periodic verification of their authenticity. Additionally, the Transport Department plans to launch a campaign targeting illegal certificate issuing gangs to crack down on fraudulent activities.
In India, new car or bike owners are exempt from needing a PUC certificate for at least one year from the date of purchase. Additionally, BS3 vehicles receive a PUC certificate valid for six months, whereas BS4 and BS6 models are issued a certificate valid for a full year.
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The Ministry of Road Transport & Highways has published the latest edition of the Road Accidents in India report, providing an insight into the road accidents reported in 2023. Highlight figures included a growth in road accidents and fatalities on Indian roads. Reported accidents rose from 4,61,312 in 2022 to 4,80,583 in 2023, while total fatalities grew from 1,68,491 to 1,72,890. One small positive was that the rate of growth of accidents slowed from double digits in the previous two years, i.e. 10.8 per cent year-on-year in 2021 and 11.9 per cent in 2022, to 4.2 per cent in 2023. Similarly, road accident fatalities also only grew 2.6 per cent year-on-year.
Worryingly, while the total number of road accidents and resulting injuries has remained below its peak levels reported almost a decade ago, the number of fatal accidents continues to grow year-on-year. 2023 marked a new high for fatal road accidents in the country.
Two-Wheelers: The Most Dangerous Mode Of Road Transport
The report revealed that two-wheelers remained the most dangerous mode of road transport on Indian roads, accounting for the highest percentage of accidents and fatalities. Two-wheelers also held the highest share as the vehicle causing fatal accidents.
Based on the report data, two-wheelers, as the crime vehicle, were the cause of 48,818 fatalities in accidents in 2023, followed by cars & LMVs with 42,067 and trucks with 33,997. The crime vehicle is refers to the vehicle that caused the accident. Two-wheeler to two-wheeler accidents additionally resulted in 27,539 fatalities compared to 17,787 in accidents with cars and 14,229 deaths in collisions with trucks. Cumulatively, two-wheeler riders suffered 77,539 fatalities in accidents - almost 45 per cent of all deaths due to road accidents, with pedestrians a distant second with 35,221 deaths due to road accidents (about 20 per cent of all road accident deaths.)
The report also revealed that 54,568 two-wheeler casualties in road accidents was due to not wearing a helmet.
Over Speeding Still The Leading Culprit; Wrong Side Driving Cases Growing
Overspeeding still remained the leading cause of accidents and fatalities on Indian roads, accounting for 3,28,727 accidents and 1,17,682 fatalities - roughly 68 per cent of all accidents and deaths. The interesting details, however, are that the number of incidents and fatalities was marginally lower than in 2022, where 3,33,323 accidents were reported along with 1,19,904 fatalities due to these accidents. Incidentally, the report also marked how straight sections of roads were the leading locations for accidents and fatalities, with 3,22,005 accidents reported and 1,14,447 resulting fatalities.
Similarly, reported accidents and fatalities due to drunken driving and use of mobile phones also witnessed a year-on-year decline, though wrong-side driving accidents were on the rise. Wrong-side driving accidents rose from 22,586 in 2022 to 25,242 in 2023, while the resulting fatalities grew from 9,094 to 9,432.
Valid License Holders Account For 71 Per Cent Of Accidents
Further digging into the report has also called into question the driver training involved in gaining a license to operate a particular type of vehicle. The road accident report revealed that almost 71 per cent of all reported accidents, or 3,40,960 accidents, happened at the hands of valid license holders. This marked a 6.5 per cent growth over 2022.
Incidents with learner permit holders or unlicensed individuals behind the wheel, however, were down year-on-year over the past two years. Accidents by unknown parties, meanwhile, accounted for an almost 19 per cent share of all accidents.
New Vehicles More Prone To Serious Accidents; Overloading Only Accounts For 6 Per Cent Of Accidents
Other notable findings of the report showed that newer vehicles - particularly those less than 10 years old made up the lion's share of road accidents. They also accounted for the major chunk of fatalities. As per the government data, vehicles less than 5 years old were involved in 1,42,463 accidents with 49,647 fatalities reported or about 30 per cent of all road accidents and 29 per cent of total fatalities.
Vehicles between 5 and 10 years old accounted for 1,35,594 road accidents and 46,832 fatalities, or about 28 per cent of accidents and 27 per cent of deaths. Vehicles between 10 and 15 years old accounted for about 13 per cent of all road accidents and deaths, while older vehicles accounted for about 11 per cent of accidents and 13 per cent of all deaths. Vehicles of unknown age accounted for the remaining 18 per cent of accidents and deaths.
Further details revealed that 60 per cent of all reported accidents included vehicles operating within permissible weight limits - ie, not overloaded. These same vehicles also accounted for about 56 per cent of all fatalities on the road. Overloaded vehicles, meanwhile, only accounted for about 6 per cent of all accidents and 7 per cent of all deaths.
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