India NCAP Programme: Time To Save The Lives Of People On Deadliest Roads

Partnership with London-based Global NCAP will introduce the Bharat New Car Assessment Programme (BNCAP) crash testing standards for vehicles starting on 1 October to improve road safety in India, a nation with some of the world’s deadliest roads.

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Union Minister of Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari exposed the programme strived to crash test motor vehicles up to 3.5 tonnes and assign star ratings based on their performance. Additionally, Gadkari highlighted the importance of road safety in India, a country witnessing a staggering 500,000 annual road accidents resulting in 150,000 deaths, translating into a daily toll of about 400.

And the time comes to save the lives of people by taking action. This is a significant step towards ensuring the structural and passenger safety of cars in India. Gadkari also highlights that the action we are taking is not only to make Indian cars safer but boost exports.

Every vehicle will encounter a brutal accident with the former being executed at a velocity of 64 mph. The vehicle must attain a safety rating of three stars or higher.

Ultimately, the programme aims to increase safety in localization contributing to the production of safer vehicles in the country. Despite the safety concerns, this would help improve the safety of passengers as well as increase the export-worthiness of Indian automobiles.

As per details, over 30 car models have already been offered by the manufacturers for assessment.

What is Global NCAP?

The New Car Assessment Programme (NCAP) is a project of the Towards Zero Foundation. This programme aims to enable the sale of safer cars in evolving markets by empowering consumers with objective information about the safety of vehicles.

The Global NCAP tests are based on 2013 Latin NCAP protocols which cover only a limited range of tests and the vehicles get a star rating for adult safety and a star rating for child safety post-tests.

These Safety Norms Have Launched

1) Safety Rating: In Global NCAP, a vehicle must get a minimum of 34 points – 16 points for the front crash test, 16 for the side impact, and 2 points for seatbelt reminders -- to get a 5-star safety rating for adult occupant protection. However, in Bharat NCAP, to receive a 5-star rating, a vehicle needs at least 27 points in adult occupant protection and requires 41 points in child occupant protection.

2) Types of Crash Testing: The Bharat NCAP protocols are in line with Global NCAP norms when it comes to crash testing.

Three tests including offset reshaped barrier frontal impact test, side impact test, and pole side impact test would determine the crashworthiness of the vehicles. Seatbelts for every passenger improved emergency braking system, etcetera.

3) Top speed: The third criterion is top speed. For Bharat NCAP, the frontal crash test will be conducted at a speed of 64km/h. With the slight changes, the pole-side impact tests will be done at 50m/h and 29km/h, respectively.

4) Variety of Cars: The Bharat NCAP norms will also be applicable for testing and rating CNG and EVs based on their performance.

5) Unified Rating: Unlike Global NCAP, Bharat NCAP will give a unified rating for the vehicles, combining crash test results for adults and children alike.