India’s new car safety programme, Bharat NCAP, to launch on August 22, 2023. This means better safety for Indian cars and a chance to shine on the world stage.
Union Minister of Road Transport and Highways, Mr. Nitin Gadkari, will unveil the Bharat NCAP, a monumental stride in the government’s dedication to fortifying road safety. This programme will raise the bar for safety standards concerning motor vehicles up to 3.5 tonnes in the Indian subcontinent. The announcement, emanating from the Ministry of Road Transport & Highways (MoRTH), has been much anticipated and is a testament to the government’s earnest commitment.
How Does the Programme Function?
Designed primarily as a tool for potential car buyers, the Bharat NCAP will offer a comparative assessment to check the crash safety of various motor vehicles available in the market. Vehicle manufacturers have the discretion to voluntarily get their cars tested as per the Automotive Industry Standard (AIS) 197.
Upon testing, vehicles will be granted star ratings based on two significant parameters:
- Adult Occupant Protection (AOP)
- Child Occupant Protection (COP)
These star ratings, based on performance in crash test simulations, provide an empirical reference for car buyers. This will enable consumers to contrast and compare the safety attributes of a wide spectrum of vehicles, ensuring well-informed decisions during their purchase endeavors.
Impact on the automotive industry
With this new programme, people will want safer cars. Car companies will work to make their cars safer to meet this demand. Also, safer Indian cars can be sold to other countries, giving companies a chance to grow.
This initiative not only augments safety standards but also promises a brighter horizon for the Indian automotive industry in global arenas.
Conclusion: Cultivating a Safety-Conscious Car Market
Bharat NCAP is a big step to make cars in India safer. It will help people choose safe cars and make our roads safer.
