Union Minister Nitin Gadkari launched the Bharat New Car Assessment Programme (Bharat NCAP) today in New Delhi, marking a significant milestone in the journey towards enhancing road safety in India. Scheduled to be implemented from October 1, 2023, this program is poised to make substantial contributions to the improvement of safety standards for motor vehicles weighing up to 3.5 tonnes.
The urgency for such an initiative is underscored by the grim reality of road accidents. In 2021 alone, a staggering 1.54 lakh lives were lost, and 3.84 lakh individuals suffered injuries in road mishaps. These alarming statistics emphasise the pressing need for bolstering vehicle safety and implementing measures to reduce accidents.
Here are the salient features of the Bharat NCAP:
Voluntary testing: Car manufacturers are granted the option to voluntarily submit their vehicles for testing according to the Automotive Industry Standard (AIS) 197.
Informed decision-making: Following these rigorous evaluations, vehicles will be assigned star ratings for Adult Occupants (AOP) and Child Occupants (COP). These star ratings will serve as a comprehensive tool for potential buyers, empowering them to make informed decisions about the safety of vehicles available in the market.
Governmental rollout: The Bharat NCAP is slated for official implementation on October 1, 2023, underlining the government's commitment to enhancing road safety standards.
Elevating safety standards: One of the program's key goals is to drive demand for safer cars, thereby motivating car manufacturers to align their offerings with consumer safety expectations.
Global competitiveness: By raising safety standards, the program is poised to enhance the competitiveness of Indian-made cars on the global stage, thus augmenting the export potential of the Indian automotive industry.
Support from auto industry: Noteworthy industry players like Toyota, Maruti Suzuki, and Mahindra & Mahindra have expressed their unequivocal support for the program. They view it as a pivotal step in the right direction for the domestic industry. This initiative is anticipated to create an environment of healthy competition among Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs), encouraging them to develop safer vehicle models for Indian consumers.
The Bharat NCAP represents a proactive effort to advance road safety by refining vehicle safety standards and equipping consumers with transparent information to guide their vehicle purchasing choices. It is anticipated that this program will not only mitigate road accidents and fatalities but also fortify India's position within the global automotive landscape. Ultimately, the program's success hinges on collaborative efforts between policymakers, manufacturers, and consumers, all united by a shared commitment to safer roads.
Additionally, the government's commitment to spending approximately ₹40,000 crore for addressing "black spots" on roads and the positive ripple effect of infrastructure investments in job creation were highlighted by Minister Gadkari during the launch event, underscoring the holistic approach to road safety and develop