New Delhi: In a significant stride towards enhancing road safety, the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) announced a momentous development on Sunday. Central Minister Nitin Gadkari will unveil the Bharat New Car Assessment Program (Bharat NCAP), a groundbreaking initiative poised to reshape car safety standards in India on Tuesday. This unveiling marks a pivotal juncture in India’s journey towards elevating road safety norms to international standards.

Pioneering safety for indigenous cars

Under the purview of Bharat NCAP, automobile manufacturers will have the opportunity to voluntarily present their vehicles for testing in accordance with the Automotive Industry Standards (AIS) 197. This significant step, taken by MoRTH, aims to amplify road safety by increasing safety standards for vehicles weighing up to 3.5 tons.

The initiative seeks to provide prospective car buyers with a comparative assessment of motor vehicle safety features available in the domestic market.

Adult passenger and child safety ratings

Bharat NCAP’s innovative framework involves subjecting vehicles to rigorous testing based on their crash test performance. These tests will yield adult passenger and child safety ratings for the models. This approach mirrors the global practice, wherein vehicles are tested and subsequently awarded star ratings by organizations like Global NCAP.

These star ratings will serve as a crucial tool for consumers, empowering them to make informed decisions by comparing the safety norms of various vehicles.

Live from the Launch of ‘Bharat New Car Assessment Program’ (Bharat NCAP), New Delhi. #BharatNCAP
https://t.co/NOhSXbUYP9

— Nitin Gadkari (@nitin_gadkari) August 22, 2023

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Fostering safety-conscious car market

MoRTH’s announcement underscores the anticipated surge in demand for safer vehicles in the wake of the new safety regulations. The ministry’s aspiration to make cars safer will galvanize the Indian automotive industry to adopt Bharat NCAP standards, further enhancing the road safety landscape.

The initiative also envisions Indian vehicles with high safety standards gaining a competitive edge in the global market, augmenting the country’s export capabilities.

A safer India through sensitized car market

The impending Bharat NCAP norms are poised to nurture a safety-conscious car market in India. By ushering in an era of advanced safety standards, the program is primed to propel the nation towards a future characterized by fewer accidents and greater protection for both drivers and passengers.