BHARAT NCAP-New Crash Test

1. India has launched the Bharat New Car Assessment Programme (NCAP) under the leadership of Union Minister Nitin Gadkari, introducing its own crash safety assessment system. This landmark initiative, commencing from October 1, 2023, represents a significant step forward in bolstering road safety across the nation.

2. Car manufacturers now have the voluntary option to subject their vehicles to testing aligned with the Automotive Industry Standard (AIS) 197, a directive set by the government. This move underscores the commitment to enhancing vehicle safety and performance.

3. Three tests will be conducted as below: 
   • frontal impact test
   • side impact test 
   • side pole impact test    

   The evaluation will cover three areas: Adult Occupant Protection (AOP), Child Occupant Protection (COP) and Fitment of Safety Assist Technologies.  NCAP will assign star ratings to vehicles based on their performance in tests evaluating the safety of Adult Occupants (AOP) and Child Occupants (COP). These ratings offer valuable insights into a vehicle's potential response in the event of an accident, empowering consumers to make well-informed choices.

4. The front impact test will be against an offset deformable barrier at a speed of 64kph, which is the same as the Global NCAP protocol. All vehicles also need to meet the pedestrian protection norms and the pole impact test will only be carried out for cars securing 3 stars and above. 

    Additionally for any car to carry a 3 or higher star rating, it must also have electronic stability control and front seat belt reminders fitted. Seat belt reminders are a good addition to the protocol, however, given their low cost and ease of implementation, this should have been included for all seats. 

5. The program's emphasis lies in raising safety standards for motor vehicles weighing up to 3.5 tonnes in India, as highlighted by the government. By stimulating demand for safer vehicles, the initiative intends to prompt manufacturers to align their offerings with the preferences of safety-conscious consumers.

6. The cost of testing a car under the Bharat NCAP programme is around Rs 60 lakh, whereas a similar test would require around Rs 2.5 crore if done overseas. The government envisions that the heightened safety benchmarks established through this program will bolster the global competitiveness of Indian automobiles. This shift could potentially open doors to expanded export opportunities for domestic car manufacturers, driving growth in the industry.