Union Minister of Road Transport and Highways, Nitin Gadkari, inaugurated the Bharat New Car Assessment Programme (Bharat NCAP) in New Delhi today, signalling a significant leap towards enhancing road safety and vehicle safety standards across the country. The programme is designed to cater to vehicles weighing up to 3.5 tonnes and aims to revolutionize the safety landscape of the Indian automobile industry.
Empowering Consumers for Safer Choices
During the launch, Minister Gadkari emphasized that Bharat NCAP is a monumental step towards empowering consumers with the ability to make more informed and safer choices when purchasing vehicles. The programme’s focus on vehicle safety will undoubtedly contribute to reducing road accidents and fatalities in India.
Elevating Safety and Quality
Shri Gadkari also highlighted that the Bharat NCAP initiative will have a significant impact on the safety and quality of vehicles manufactured in India. With the implementation of this programme, Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) will be motivated to enhance safety features in their vehicles, leading to healthier competition in the industry.
Mutual Win-Win: Manufacturers and Consumers
The union minister emphasized that the Bharat NCAP, along with Automotive Industry Standard (AIS) 197, sets the foundation for a mutually beneficial scenario for manufacturers and consumers alike. This initiative will contribute to safeguarding the lives of Indian citizens while fostering growth in the Indian automobile sector.
Understanding Bharat NCAP
Bharat NCAP is applicable to type-approved motor vehicles falling under the M1 category and weighing less than 3.5 tonnes Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW). This voluntary programme entails testing the base variants of specific models. It is set to commence on October 1, 2023, and is aligned with AIS-197. The initiative aims to establish a competitive ecosystem for enhancing safety awareness among consumers, enabling them to make informed decisions based on comparative crash test performance assessments.
Ensuring Global Safety Standards
Bharat NCAP offers Original Equipment Manufacturers an opportunity to manufacture vehicles that adhere to global safety standards.
