According to a statement from the ministry, Nitin Gadkari, the Union Minister of Road Transport and Highways, will officially inaugurate the Bharat New Car Assessment Program (Bharat NCAP) on Tuesday.
According to the press release, Bharat NCAP represents a significant advancement in the government’s efforts to raise the safety standards for motor vehicles in India weighing up to 3.5 tonnes. “The programme aims to provide a tool to the car customers to make a comparative assessment of crash safety of motor vehicles available in the market. Under this programme, car manufacturers can voluntarily offer their cars tested as per Automotive Industry Standard (AIS) 197,” a statement by the ministry said.
“Based on the performance of the car in the tests, car will be awarded star ratings for Adult Occupants (AOP) and Child Occupant (COP). Potential car customers can refer to these star ratings to compare the safety standards of different vehicles and accordingly make their purchase-decision,” it added.
It is anticipated that as demand for safer vehicles rises, automakers will be more motivated to meet consumer demands. High safety standards will enable Indian automobiles to compete more successfully on the international market, boosting the export potential of Indian automakers.
What is Bharat NCAP?
The Bharat NCAP program, also known as the Bharat New Car Assessment Programme, is the first crash test program in India that allows automakers to voluntarily submit their vehicles for testing in accordance with Automotive Industry Standard (AIS) 197. The program is anticipated to create a safety-conscious automobile industry in India. To raise the level of road safety in the nation, the Bharat NCAP will become a part of the global NCAP family.
Global NCAP currently tests Indian automobiles, and they have examined more than 50 models from manufacturers including Tata Motors, Mahindra, and Kia. Apart from Global NCAP, which tests vehicles from nations where NCAP has not yet been introduced, such as India and Africa, Bharat NCAP joins other programs including ASEAN NCAP from Asia, Euro NCAP from Europe, Latin NCAP from South America, and NHTSA Test in the United States.
On October 1, 2023, the Bharat NCAP will go into effect. It is a voluntary test and hence not mandatory for any automaker to send their vehicles for testing.
Why is the Bharat NCAP rating important?
Similar to its international counterparts, Bharat NCAP has adopted the practice of extensive front, rear, and side impact crash tests on the cars. The two essential safety features of a car, seatbelts and airbags, will be evaluated simultaneously. Standards for pedestrian safety are also included.
The introduction of Bharat NCAP would increase transparency on the safety features of automobiles sold in India. The safety features offered in various car models and grades will be fully disclosed to consumers. This might therefore affect the choices that potential customers make regarding their purchases, elevating safety to a top priority.
