'Bharat NCAP': India's Own Vehicle Safety Rating System To Be Launched Tomorrow

In a significant development, India is set to launch its homegrown vehicle safety rating system tomorrow (22 August).

Union Minister of Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari will launch the much-awaited Bharat New Car Assessment Programme (Bharat NCAP) on Tuesday.

The Bharat NCAP will serve as India's own vehicle safety rating system which is aimed at improving road safety through raising the safety standards of motor vehicles up to 3.5 tonnes in India.

"The programme aims to provide a tool to the car customers to make a comparative assessment of crash safety of motor vehicles available in the market.  Under this programme, car manufacturers can voluntarily offer their cars tested as per Automotive Industry Standard (AIS) 197," the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways said in a statement on Sunday (20 August).

Based on the performance of the car in the tests, it will be awarded star ratings for Adult Occupants (AOP) and Child Occupant (COP), similar to the Global NCAP.

According to the Road Transport Ministry, potential car customers can refer to these star ratings to compare the safety standards of different vehicles and accordingly make their purchase-decision.

The ministry expects that the demand for safer cars will increase, encouraging the car manufacturers to comply with customer needs.

"With high safety standards, Indian cars will be able to compete better in the global market, increasing the export potential of the car manufacturers in India," the ministry said, adding that the programme is expected to develop a safety sensitive car market in India.

According to a Times of India report, similar to Global NCAP, the Bharat NCAP crash test will also be voluntary for now. However, the crash test is likely to be made mandatory in the future for all cars sold in the Indian market.