Bharat NCAP to Launch on August 22 by Nitin Gadkari: Here's Everything You Need to Know

Nitin Gadkari, the Union Minister of Road Transport and Highways, will officially launch the Bharat New Car Assessment Programme (Bharat NCAP) in India tomorrow. Road safety in the country will significantly increase as a result of this new initiative. The introduction of this government measure will boost safety for vehicles weighing up to 3.5 tonnes, making Indian roadways safer for all users. Currently, Indian auto manufacturers voluntarily submit their cars for testing to Global NCAP, which subjects mass-produced cars through crash tests to the level of safety they offer to occupants. However, with the launch of the Bharat NCAP, India will now have its own system for certifying the safety of automobiles, which will go into effect on October 1.

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Bharat NCAP: How it will work?

Under this new safety scheme by the government, automobile manufacturers may voluntarily submit their vehicles for testing in accordance with Automotive Industry Standard (AIS) 197. Vehicles will receive star ratings for Adult Occupants (AOP) and Child Occupants (COP) based on their performance in the tests. These star ratings can be used by prospective automobile buyers to compare the safety features of various models and make an informed decision to buy a car. With the help of this initiative, ‘Potential car customers can refer to these star ratings to compare the safety standards of different vehicles and accordingly make their purchase decision.’

Union Minister @nitin_gadkari to launch the Bharat New Car Assessment Programme (Bharat NCAP) on August 22, 2023

Bharat NCAP is a significant step forward in the Government’s commitment to improve road safety through raising the safety standards of motor vehicles up to 3.5…

— PIB India (@PIB_India) August 20, 2023

The press release says, ‘It is expected that the demand for safer cars will increase, encouraging the car manufacturers to comply with customer needs. With high safety standards, Indian cars will be able to compete better in the global market, increasing the export potential of car manufacturers in India. The programme is expected to develop a safety-sensitive car market in India.’

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Bharat NCAP: The Possible Outcome

The introduction of the Bharat New Car Assessment Programme, according to the government, is a step towards improving road safety in India. This programme will give customers access to vital safety data and is expected to persuade automakers to prioritise the safety of their products. Additionally, it will help make vehicles and roadways safer across the country. The government further believes that the introduction of the Bharat NCAP will strengthen the international standing of the Indian automobile sector and boost domestic manufacturers' export capacities.