Introduction:
In a significant move towards enhancing vehicle safety standards in India, the Bharat New Car Assessment Programme (BNCAP) safety regime has officially launched on October 1, 2023. This voluntary safety standard, based on Global New Car Assessment Programme (Global NCAP) standards, aims to revolutionize vehicle crashworthiness and raise consumer awareness regarding safety in the Indian automotive market. The BNCAP regime is poised to play a pivotal role in transforming the safety landscape of the country’s automobiles.
The Genesis of BNCAP:
The BNCAP safety regime was inaugurated on August 22, 2023, by Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways, Nitin Gadkari, during a significant event in New Delhi. This initiative draws its roots from the ‘Safer Cars for India’ program, initiated by Global NCAP in 2013. Over the years, this program has subjected 50 made-in-India cars to rigorous crash tests, sparking a national conversation about vehicle safety.
The Impact of Safety Ratings:
Safety ratings have become a defining factor for car buyers in India. The Tata Nexon, India’s first car to achieve a full five-star safety rating from Global NCAP in 2018, exemplifies this trend. The vehicle’s exceptional safety attributes have contributed significantly to its success, with over 500,000 units sold in less than six years. Similarly, cars like the Mahindra XUV700, Tata Punch, and Altroz have also set safety benchmarks in their segments and witnessed robust customer demand.
The Role of BNCAP:
The BNCAP regime introduces a new standard, AIS 197, aligned with the revised Global NCAP standards spanning from July 2022 to December 2025. It will award individual star ratings, up to five stars, based on a car’s performance in crash tests. These tests encompass adult occupant protection (AOP) and child occupant protection (COP), ensuring a comprehensive safety evaluation.
Empowering Indian Consumers:
Union Minister Nitin Gadkari emphasizes that BNCAP is India’s homegrown crash testing program, empowering consumers to make informed choices when purchasing new vehicles. It is also expected to create opportunities for exporting high-quality, made-in-India cars globally.
A Long-Awaited Milestone:
The introduction of BNCAP marks a significant milestone in India’s journey toward improved vehicle safety. While the idea of an India-specific NCAP was proposed in 2013, it faced delays due to industry-related concerns and infrastructure readiness.
Safety Mandates and BNCAP:
To enhance vehicle safety, the government had previously mandated ABS, driver airbags, and dual-front airbags for cars. However, the BNCAP regime’s introduction has prompted the government to drop plans to mandate six airbags in all new cars. It is expected that the pursuit of higher star ratings will drive car manufacturers to equip their vehicles with advanced safety features voluntarily.
Future Prospects:
The BNCAP regime has already received requests to test over 30 new car models, and several automakers, including Maruti Suzuki, Hyundai, and Tata Motors, are enthusiastic about subjecting their vehicles to BNCAP standards. This initiative signifies a significant step towards improving vehicle safety and protecting Indian consumers.
Conclusion:
The launch of the Bharat NCAP safety regime heralds a new era of vehicle safety in India. With stringent crash testing protocols and star ratings, consumers can now prioritize safety when choosing their vehicles. This initiative not only enhances the safety of Indian automobiles but also opens doors for exporting high-quality cars to global markets, bolstering India’s position in the automotive industry.
