New Delhi: India has taken a significant step towards enhancing road safety by introducing its own car crash test rating system, Bharat New Car Assessment Programme (BNCAP), in collaboration with Global NCAP and the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MORTH). The new crash test ratings, tailored for Indian conditions, will be effective from October 1, 2023, following official approval announced by Nitin Gadkari, Union Minister of Road Transport and Highways.
During the announcement, Nitin Gadkari revealed that BNCAP has already received over 30 requests for testing models. He expressed his satisfaction with the automotive industry’s acceptance of the Bharat NCAP program, emphasizing its importance in addressing car safety concerns alongside road engineering challenges.
One of the key benefits of the BNCAP program is the reduction in testing costs. According to Gadkari, testing a car under BNCAP will cost around INR 60 lakh, significantly lower than the INR 2.5 crore required for similar tests conducted overseas.
Anurag Jain, Secretary of the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, highlighted that the introduction of BNCAP will enhance the export orientation of the Indian automotive industry.
David Ward, executive director of Global NCAP, attended the event and praised India’s efforts in scaling up road safety. He emphasized that India’s commitment to road safety is setting a global example, particularly as the nation takes on the G20 presidency.
Bharat NCAP: Enhancing Vehicle Safety Standards
The Bharat NCAP testing protocol aligns with global crash test standards. It will assign star ratings ranging from 1 to 5 to tested vehicles, with 1 indicating the lowest safety level. The vehicles’ performance in tests will lead to separate star ratings for adult occupants (AOP) and child occupants (COP).
The star rating parameters encompass various factors, including pedestrian-friendly design, structural safety, provision of active and passive safety assist technologies, and the safety of adult and child occupants.
While applauding the safety assist technologies, experts suggest that mandating seat belt reminders for the rear row as well could be beneficial due to its simplicity and cost-effectiveness.
Bharat NCAP: Eligibility and Evaluation Process
The Bharat NCAP crash test program applies to vehicles classified under the Automotive Industry Standard AIS 197. This includes vehicles under the M1 category designed to carry up to eight passengers and a gross weight under 3.5 tonnes. This encompasses combustion-engined, CNG, and electric vehicles manufactured or imported into India.
The evaluation process involves several steps:
- Car manufacturers nominate a vehicle model.
- The BNCAP team selects a base variant through random sampling.
- The chosen vehicle is tested at the BNCAP testing center.
- Testing results are shared with the manufacturer and approved by the BNCAP standing committee.
- Approved ratings and results are published, and certificates are issued by the Central Institute of Road Transport (CIRT).
Bharat NCAP: Evaluation Criteria and Ratings
The BNCAP program evaluates vehicles based on adult and child occupant protection and the incorporation of safety assist technologies.
Crash tests include frontal impact, side impact, and pole side impact (for 3-4-5 star rated vehicles) at a speed of 64 kph, aligning with global standards.
In addition to crash test scores, safety assist technology also plays a role in the ratings. These technologies include pole side impact protection for specific ratings, electronic stability control (ESP), pedestrian protection, and seat belt reminders for the front row.