The Indian Ministry of Road Transport and Highways has brought forth a local star-rating system known as the Bharat New Car Assessment Programme (Bharat NCAP). With the primary goal of assessing vehicle safety during collisions, the programme is aimed at helping potential car buyers make informed decisions. Scheduled to be operational from October 1, 2023, this program is expected to contribute significantly to reducing the skyrocketing number of road fatalities in India.
Overview of Bharat NCAP
Within the framework of Bharat NCAP, passenger cars will undergo stringent crash testing procedures. Based on their performance against specific protocols addressed in the upcoming Automotive Industry Standard 197, vehicles will receive a safety rating between one to five stars. This programme is designated for passenger vehicles with a maximum of eight seats and a gross vehicle weight not exceeding 3,500 kgs. Testing includes Frontal Offset Test, Side Impact Test, and Pole-Side Impact Test. Notably, manufacturers are encouraged to voluntarily submit their vehicles for testing, thus prompting the production of safer vehicles for the Indian market.
Testing Parameters
Bharat NCAP evaluates vehicles on three key parameters: Adult Occupant Protection, Child Occupant Protection, and Safety Assist Technologies. These elements help assess the protection level a vehicle offers to its passengers during a crash and the effectiveness of modern safety-related technologies present in the car.
Mandatory and Recommended Testing
Though voluntary, certain situations may call for mandatory testing. For instance, the base model of a popular variant with minimum sales of 30,000 units may need to be tested. Similarly, the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways might recommend testing for certain models based on market feedback or public safety concerns.
Evolution and Alignment with Global Standards
The Bharat NCAP draws from the Global NCAP, a project initiated by the UK-based NGO, Towards Zero Foundation. Over the years, India’s testing protocols have evolved considerably, publishing more than 50 crash test results for vehicles in the Indian market. In 2018, Tata Motors achieved India’s first 5-star car rating.
Potential Outcomes of Bharat NCAP
Being mindful of the approximately 1.5 lakh road fatalities occurring annually in India, Bharat NCAP aims to minimize these numbers by encouraging safer vehicle production. Better vehicle safety could also reduce strain on healthcare and insurance sectors, leading to positive societal and economic impacts. Manufacturers can further boost their brand reputation through consumer-oriented practices, thereby enhancing customer loyalty.
Challenges Faced by Bharat NCAP
Designing a universal safety assessment framework is challenging due to India’s varied road conditions, from overcrowded city roads to poorly maintained rural highways. Similarly, meeting demands for affordable vehicles while incorporating advanced safety features could be complex. The vast array of vehicles in India’s automotive market further complicates designing effective crash tests. Raising awareness about safety ratings and convincing buyers to prioritize safety over other features might prove demanding as consumer preferences may still favor design, features, and price.
Way Forward for Bharat NCAP
Addressing these challenges requires establishing safety research and development hubs in collaboration with academic institutions and manufacturers. These centres could focus on addressing India-specific safety problems, encouraging innovation through joint research. Collaborating with local artists to create safety-themed public art installations near accident-prone areas could raise awareness about safe driving. Insurance companies could consider assigning a safety score to each vehicle model based on its NCAP rating. This safety score could then be prominently displayed on advertisements and dealerships, making safety a key part of consumer decisions.
