Union Minister of Road Transport and Highways, Shri Nitin Gadkari, is set to unveil the long-awaited Bharat New Car Assessment Programme (Bharat NCAP) on August 22, 2023. This initiative marks a significant stride in the government’s commitment to enhancing road safety by elevating the safety benchmarks of motor vehicles up to 3.5 tonnes in India.
Bharat NCAP aims to empower car consumers with a tool for comparative crash safety assessment of available motor vehicles. Manufacturers can voluntarily submit their cars for testing according to the Automotive Industry Standard (AIS) 197. Based on the test results, vehicles will be assigned star ratings for Adult Occupants (AOP) and Child Occupants (COP), enabling potential buyers to evaluate safety levels and make informed decisions.
Anticipated is a surge in demand for safer cars, incentivizing manufacturers to align with customer preferences. Elevated safety standards could bolster the global competitiveness of Indian automobiles, enhancing the export potential for domestic manufacturers. The program is poised to cultivate a safety-conscious car market in India.
