The Dwepayan Diary

  Safety Regulations: Mandatory ABS and Two Helmets — A New Era for Two-Wheeler Safety in India Every time a new road safety regulation is introduced in India, opinions instantly divide. Some say, “It’s high time!” Others worry about costs, compliance, or how it might affect sales. But beneath all those debates lies one simple truth — safety saves lives. Starting 1 January 2026 , India will take a major leap forward in its two-wheeler safety standards. The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways has announced that all new two-wheelers — scooters and motorcycles of every engine size — must be equipped with Anti-Lock Braking Systems (ABS) . And that’s not all. Manufacturers and dealers will now have to supply two BIS-certified helmets with every new motorcycle or scooter — one for the rider and one for the pillion. Together, these two decisions mark one of the most significant changes in India’s two-wheeler landscape in decades. Let’s dive deeper into what these rules mean, why they...

  Ride #2: Puri to Siruli Mahavir – A Short Ride, A Long Memory Hey folks! I’m back again with another amazing short ride story — one that I recently completed last week. This one wasn’t about distance or speed; it was more about exploring and reconnecting. Compared to my previous rides, this was relatively short, but as someone whose tea break doesn’t come before crossing at least 60 km stretches, it still had its share of moments worth noting. The plan was simple — ride to the destination through the regular route most people take, and while returning, explore a completely new one. And trust me, that second part turned out to be the most memorable! A Nostalgic Destination Siruli Mahavir is a small yet spiritually significant place located around 27 km from Puri. I had been there many years ago as a kid with my family. The roads weren’t great back then, but the temple left an unforgettable mark on me — quite literally. I still remember the temple as “the one whose entry gate was ...