Bharat NCAP: India’s Own Crash Test Rating System for Cars
India is one of the largest and fastest-growing car
markets in the world, but also one of the most unsafe. According to the World Health Organization, more than 150,000 people die every year in road accidents in India, which accounts for about 11% of the global road fatalities. One of the major factors contributing to this grim situation is the lack of adequate safety standards and regulations for cars sold in India.
To address this issue, the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MORTH) has introduced Bharat NCAP, a new car crash test rating system that will come into effect from October 1, 2023. Bharat NCAP stands for Bharat New Car Assessment Programme, and it is India’s own version of the Global NCAP, a program that evaluates and rates the safety performance of cars based on various crash tests.
Bharat NCAP aims to improve the safety of cars in India by providing consumers with reliable and transparent information about the crashworthiness and safety features of different models. It also intends to encourage car manufacturers to adopt higher safety standards and technologies, and to make India a hub for car exports.
Bharat NCAP: How Does It Work?
Bharat NCAP will conduct crash tests on cars that fall under the M1 category, which means they can carry up to eight passengers, including the driver, and have a gross weight not exceeding 3.5 tonnes. The cars will be tested at various speeds and angles, such as frontal offset, side impact, rear impact, and rollover. The cars will also be evaluated for their pedestrian-friendly design, structural integrity, active and passive safety features, and protection of adult and child occupants.
Based on the performance of the cars in these tests, Bharat NCAP will award them a star rating between 1 and 5, with 1 being the lowest and 5 being the highest. The star rating will be a unified rating that covers both adult and child occupant protection, unlike the Global NCAP that gives separate ratings for each. The star rating will also take into account the presence and functionality of safety assist technologies, such as seat belt reminders, airbags, ABS, ESC, lane keep assist, blind spot detection, etc.
Bharat NCAP will display the star rating of each car on a sticker that will be affixed on the windshield or dashboard of the car. The sticker will also show the speed at which the car was tested, and the number of airbags it has. The star rating and other details of each car will also be available on the official website of Bharat NCAP.
Bharat NCAP: What Are The Benefits?
Bharat NCAP is expected to bring several benefits for car buyers, car makers, and road users in India. Some of these benefits are:
Car buyers will be able to compare the safety standards of different models and make informed choices based on their needs and preferences.
Car makers will be motivated to improve the safety features and quality of their products, as well as to innovate and introduce new technologies that can enhance safety.
Road users will benefit from reduced risk of injuries and fatalities in case of accidents, as well as from improved road infrastructure and traffic management.
India will be able to align its car safety norms with global standards and best practices, and boost its reputation as a car manufacturing and exporting country.
Bharat NCAP: What Are The Challenges?
While Bharat NCAP is a welcome step towards improving car safety in India, it also faces some challenges and limitations that need to be addressed. Some of these challenges are:
Bharat NCAP is a voluntary program that does not mandate car manufacturers to participate in it or comply with its ratings. Therefore, some car makers may choose to ignore or bypass it, especially if they cater to low-cost or rural segments that are less aware or concerned about safety.
Bharat NCAP does not cover all types of vehicles that ply on Indian roads, such as two-wheelers, three-wheelers, buses, trucks, etc. These vehicles also pose significant safety risks and need to be regulated and tested accordingly.
Bharat NCAP does not account for all aspects of road safety that affect car users in India, such as driver behavior, road conditions, weather factors, traffic rules enforcement, emergency response services, etc. These factors also need to be improved and monitored to ensure comprehensive road safety.
Bharat NCAP: What Is The Future?
Bharat NCAP is a landmark initiative that has the potential to transform the car safety scenario in India. However, it is not a one-time or one-size-fits-all solution that can solve all the problems related to road safety. It is a dynamic and evolving program that needs to be constantly updated and refined based on feedback from stakeholders, data analysis, technological advancements, and changing consumer expectations.
Bharat NCAP also needs to be supported and complemented by other measures and policies that can address the broader and deeper issues of road safety in India. These include strengthening the legal and institutional framework, raising public awareness and education, enhancing road infrastructure and maintenance, enforcing traffic rules and penalties, providing adequate and timely medical care, and promoting a culture of safety and responsibility among all road users.
Bharat NCAP is a step in the right direction, but it is not the final destination. It is a journey that requires the collective and sustained efforts of all stakeholders, including the government, the industry, the civil society, and the citizens. Together, we can make India a safer and better place to drive and live.
0 Comments