India, Sept. 30 -- The transport ministry (MoRTH) has proposed making the acoustic vehicle alerting system (AVAS) mandatory for all electric cars, buses and trucks starting October 2027.

For context, AVAS is a safety feature in EVs that emits non-disruptive sounds to alert pedestrians, cyclists and other vulnerable road users to the vehicle's presence. The system aims to prevent accidents due to lack of engine noise in quiet EVs.

As per a draft notification issued on September 25, the ministry said that it plans to make the feature mandatory for all new models of categories 'M' and 'N' of EVs, manufactured after October 2026.

While category M includes cars and buses designed for passenger transport, category N comprises trucks and good...