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NEW DELHI, 24 August 2023: In a significant move to enhance road safety in India, the Government of India has partnered with London-based Global NCAP to introduce the Bharat New Car Assessment Programme (BNCAP). This program, slated to launch on 1 October, aims to establish comprehensive crash testing standards for vehicles in India, addressing the country’s alarming road accident statistics.
Ensuring Safer Roads
Union minister Nitin Gadkari unveiled the BNCAP program, which is designed to focus on crash testing motor vehicles weighing up to 3.5 tonnes. This initiative comes as a response to India’s grim road safety record, with approximately 500,000 annual road accidents resulting in a staggering 150,000 deaths – a daily average of about 400 fatalities.
Key Features of BNCAP
Under the BNCAP framework, vehicles will undergo thorough crash tests and receive star ratings based on their performance. This system will not only aid consumers in making safer vehicle choices but also promote healthy competition among original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) to produce vehicles with enhanced safety features.
Operational Framework
Starting 1 October, the BNCAP program will become operational. The nation will have access to 6-8 government-certified testing stations, conveniently located near automotive hubs. This approach is poised to strengthen the structural and passenger safety of cars in India while fostering exports.
Striving for Safer Vehicles
The primary goal of BNCAP is to encourage the localization of safety components, ultimately leading to the production of safer vehicles within the country. While initially voluntary, the crash testing requirements might become more stringent as testing capacity grows.
Global Alignment for Local Impact
One standout aspect of BNCAP is its alignment with global crash test protocols while considering India’s existing regulations. This synchronization allows OEMs to conduct testing domestically, reducing costs associated with sending cars abroad for testing. The industry’s response has been positive, with over 30 model testing requests already received.
Empowering India’s Automotive Industry
India’s automotive industry, ranking as the world’s third largest in terms of production, stands to benefit significantly from BNCAP. Minister Gadkari envisions India taking a leadership position in the global automotive sector, offering top-quality vehicles at competitive prices.
Industry Voices
Renault India‘s CEO, Venkatram Mamillapalle, emphasizes the program’s role in reducing road fatalities. He applauds the government’s commitment to road safety through the introduction of BNCAP.
Holistic Safety Framework
The BNCAP program aims to harmonize Indian crash safety standards with international benchmarks. This framework rests on three pillars: ensuring adult and child occupant safety and incorporating safety assist technologies such as electronic stability control, anti-lock braking systems, airbags, and seat belt reminders.
Thorough Testing Approach
Every vehicle model will undergo rigorous frontal and side-impact assessments, with the former conducted at a velocity of 64 kmph. A vehicle earning a safety rating of three stars or higher will be subjected to an additional pole-side impact test.
Star Ratings and Safety Criteria
Each category is assigned a range of points that determine the star rating. A vehicle, for example, must have front seat belt reminders and electronic stability control to receive a three-star rating.
Inclusivity of New Technologies
Notably, the revamped NCAP program will extend its assessment to encompass CNG and electric vehicles (EVs). The government commits to updating assessment criteria to accommodate emerging technologies, especially those addressing EV-specific safety concerns.
Conclusion
The introduction of the Bharat New Car Assessment Programme marks a crucial step in India’s journey towards improved road safety. By aligning with global standards, this initiative not only prioritizes the lives of its citizens but also empowers the automotive industry to thrive in the competitive global market.
