The Indian automotive domain stands at the cusp of a significant transformation with the introduction of the Bharat New Car Assessment Program (Bharat NCAP) set for August 22, 2023. Nitin Gadkari, the Union Minister of Road Transport and Highways, will lead this groundbreaking ceremony.
As articulated by the Ministry of Road Transport & Highways (MoRTH), this initiative showcases the Indian government’s deep-rooted commitment to bolstering road safety. The primary focus remains on amplifying safety benchmarks for motor vehicles weighing up to 3.5 tonnes within the expansive Indian market.
One of the main objectives of Bharat NCAP is to empower car buyers. It is designed to provide them with a robust tool that allows for a comprehensive assessment and comparison of the crash safety of the myriad of motor vehicles available for purchase. Manufacturers have the discretion to submit their vehicles for evaluation as per the Automotive Industry Standard (AIS) 197. Following a rigorous evaluation, vehicles will be adorned with star ratings, indicating their prowess in Adult Occupant (AOP) and Child Occupant (COP) protection. These ratings, far from being ornamental, aim to guide potential buyers, illuminating the safety terrain of various cars.
These star ratings encapsulate vehicles’ resilience and dexterity during rigorous crash scenarios, providing consumers with a tangible touchpoint. Armed with this granular insight, buyers can navigate the market, placing safety at the forefront of their acquisition choices.
Peering through a global prism, this initiative’s ramifications extend beyond domestic shores. An amplified appetite for safer vehicles can act as a catalyst, propelling manufacturers to recalibrate and innovate. Such a paradigm shift in safety can amplify the allure of Indian vehicles on the global stage, paving the way for expansive export avenues for domestic manufacturers.
With Bharat NCAP charting the course, the subtext is evident: India’s automotive future is not only safety-centric but also primed for global prominence.
LATEST | Schaeffler Unveils Advanced Bipolar Plates: A Leap in Sustainable Mobility
