On 22 August 2023, The Minister of Road Transport and Highways (MORTH) Nitin Gadkari launched a new safety rating system the Bharat New Car Assessment Programme (BNCAP) which will come into effect from 1 October 2023.

According to the announcement India is launching its own crash test rating structure to ensure and enhance the safety of new vehicles.

According to the new system, star ratings will be given based on vehicle performance during crash tests, similar to the global NCAP and European NCAP. 

After the effect of Bharat NCAP, India will achieve the milestone of becoming 5th country in the world to launch its car crash rating system. 

Let’s know more about this system and why this major step was taken.  

Safety Standards & Testing under BNCAP

The BNCAP safety standards apply to any vehicle with up to eight seats and a gross weight of less than 3.5 tonnes, regardless of whether the vehicle is manufactured or sold in the country.

In addition, the program also covers electric and CNG vehicles as well. This broadens the scope of coverage for the safety assessment. 

Only the base model of a specific car variant will be tested and will undergo rigorous frontal and side-impact assessments, with the former being executed at a velocity of 64 mph.

After relentless evaluations in two key areas adult occupant protection (AOP) and child occupant protection (COP), The cars will receive ratings ranging from one to five stars. 

This system will not only ensure vehicle safety for buyers but also enable Indian automakers to compete on a global stage.

The government also hopes the new system will encourage carmakers to provide advanced safety features in exchange for a higher rating.

Moreover, it is believed it will promote safer driving practices, lessen the healthcare burden, and open opportunities for incentives from the insurance sector.  

For more detailed guidelines about BNCAP check out the finalised draft issued by Automotive Industry Standard.

Car Features to be Added for Safety under BNCAP

Drivers and passengers must have airbags, both front and back. 

In some cars, it is essential to have features like reverse parking sensors and cameras, as well as speed alert systems, electronic stability to stop skidding and losing control, wheel lock-up to prevent wheel loss, steering control to keep steering in place, seat belt reminders, and lock braking systems.

Why was BNCAP Launched in India?

India is a nation with the world’s deadliest roads. According to the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways every year, approximately 1.5 lakh people die on Indian roads.

If we calculate on average, India reports 1130 accidents and 422 deaths every day or 47 accidents and 18 deaths every hour.

So, with the increased number of road accidents every day, it has become a topic of concern. Nitin Gadkari, Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways, launched Bharat NCAP to promote safer vehicles in India.

The Bharat NCAP is expected to improve the safety of cars in India and make cars safer for all road users. 

In a nutshell, it’s a game-changer for car safety in India.  

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