Biplab Das 
New Delhi: Smart Mobility Conference 2023 shed light on the pioneering road safety infrastructure testing by NATRAX, emphasising international standards alignment and insights from Manish Jaiswal, Director of NATRAX.
Revolutionising Road Safety Testing
NATRAX, India’s automotive testing and certification centre, has carved a path for road safety infrastructure testing. Manish Jaiswal elaborated on their specific testing methodologies and their synchronisation with international standards.
Meeting International Standards
Over a concise two-year period, NATRAX has conducted a comprehensive array of tests adhering to global standards, particularly crash barrier testing, mandated by the government.
Jaiswal said, “In this short span, we have conducted over 90 tests. Our aim is to achieve international accreditation, enabling those tested at NATRAX to qualify for the international market.”
Global Collaborative Endeavours
To bolster its capabilities, NATRAX has established significant collaborations with university professors in the United States and is embarking on research initiatives with IIT Delhi. Jaiswal stated, “We plan to cement these alliances to become a global centre for safety crash barrier testing.”
Adapting to the EV and AI Era
In the face of the growing presence of electric vehicles (EVs) and autonomous vehicles (AVs), the evaluation parameters for road safety infrastructure are evolving. Jaiswal accentuates the emerging focus on the overall crashworthiness of vehicles, in alignment with India’s Bharat NCAP initiative. This groundbreaking initiative has revolutionised vehicle regulations, particularly in light of the increasing reliance on electronic and software components.
Navigating Material Challenges
The proliferation of electronics and software in vehicles has resulted in increased vehicle weight. Consequently, the challenge lies in reducing material usage while still adhering to rigorous safety standards. Furthermore, the surge in EVs introduces unique concerns regarding battery safety. NATRAX, equipped to address these challenges, is poised to collaborate with government bodies and automakers to provide comprehensive solutions.
“The emphasis is on reducing materials while maintaining safety standards. NATRAX is prepared to collaborate with government bodies and automakers to address these challenges comprehensively,” Jaiswal added.
Government Collaboration
The collaboration with government entities, primarily the Ministry, plays a pivotal role in the development of testing protocols for road safety infrastructure. NATRAX ensures that the regulations created are pragmatic, considering the interests of various stakeholders, encompassing safety and economics. This partnership fosters dialogue, consensus, and an increased emphasis on safety standards.
Cutting-Edge Testing Equipment
NATRAX’s recent introduction of autonomous driving testing promises to significantly reduce accidents. Features such as autonomous braking are poised to become regulatory prerequisites for averting accidents caused by human errors. This cutting-edge approach highlights NATRAX’s readiness to embrace innovations that could soon become compulsory.
Driving Road Safety Vision
Within the framework of India’s Automotive Mission Plan, NATRAX plays a pivotal role in realising the vision of road safety. By actively addressing both passive safety (minimising damage post-accident) and active safety (accident prevention), NATRAX is resolute in aligning with the ambitious goal of achieving zero accidents on Indian roads.
Promoting Awareness and Collaboration
While awareness about road safety is prevalent, actively engaging in road safety initiatives is often challenging in a country brimming with a multitude of events and programmes. Jaiswal underscores the significance of events like the Smart Mobility Conference as catalysts for dialogue, collaboration, and engagement in propelling road safety initiatives forward.
