The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways has unveiled an innovative indigenous star-rating system designed to enhance the safety assessment of cars through crash testing. This pioneering system, termed the Bharat New Car Assessment Programme (NCAP), will assign vehicles a safety rating of one to five stars, reflecting their collision performance. Commencing on October 1, 2023, this voluntary rating system aims to bolster the safety standards of automobiles on Indian roads.
About Bharat NCAP
The Bharat NCAP entails a comprehensive testing protocol, evaluating the safety performance of cars in India based on crash tests. Automobile manufacturers can voluntarily nominate their vehicles for assessment. The testing procedures, aligned with the forthcoming Automotive Industry Standard 197, are influenced by the Global NCAP standards. Unlike in some countries where non-governmental organizations conduct NCAP assessments, India will establish a dedicated Bharat NCAP Authority, responsible for overseeing these evaluations and publishing safety ratings on a public website.
Enhancing Consumer Awareness and Safety Demand
The primary objective of the Bharat NCAP is to empower consumers to make informed decisions when purchasing vehicles, thereby stimulating the demand for safer cars. By providing transparent safety ratings, the program seeks to shift the market towards vehicles that prioritize occupant protection and collision avoidance technologies.
Scope and Criteria of Evaluation
The Bharat NCAP covers passenger vehicles with a maximum seating capacity of eight individuals, excluding the driver, and a gross vehicle weight not exceeding 3,500 kilograms. Each assessed vehicle’s base model will undergo crash testing. The assigned safety rating, ranging from one star to five stars, is determined based on three crucial parameters: adult occupant protection, child occupant protection, and the presence of safety assist technologies within the car.
Balancing Voluntary Participation and Regulatory Influence
While the Bharat NCAP is a voluntary program, automobile manufacturers or importers bear the costs of vehicle assessment. However, in specific cases, crash tests may be mandatory for popular base models (with a minimum sale of 30,000 units) or when recommended by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways based on market feedback or public safety considerations.
Addressing India’s Alarming Road Safety Challenges
With India accounting for 10% of global road crash fatalities despite having just 1% of the world’s vehicles, the need for improved road safety measures is evident. Road crashes cost the Indian economy an estimated 5 to 7% of GDP annually. The Bharat NCAP’s introduction is a significant step towards mitigating these concerns.
Future Endeavors for Enhanced Road Safety
For the Bharat NCAP to be truly effective, India must further develop its crash testing capabilities and expertise. Technological advancements, such as a sophisticated software system to analyze injuries using dummies placed inside vehicles, will be crucial. Additionally, aligning the Bharat NCAP with international standards by expanding testing parameters is essential. For instance, Japan’s NCAP includes evaluations for electric shock protection, neck injury protection, and passenger seat belt reminders.
Global Perspective: Global NCAP
The Global New Car Assessment Programme (Global NCAP) serves as a platform for international cooperation among car assessment programs. It promotes the adoption of critical United Nations motor vehicle safety standards worldwide. The Road Map for Safer Vehicles 2020, adopted by Global NCAP, outlines a timetable for UN member states to implement key vehicle safety regulations.
UPSC Mains Questions
- What factors contribute to India’s disproportionately high percentage of road crash fatalities compared to its vehicle population?
- How might the introduction of the Bharat NCAP impact consumer behavior and the automobile industry in India?
- In what ways can India enhance its crash testing capabilities to align with international standards and improve road safety even further?