The road to safer cars and reduced road accidents in India takes a significant stride forward with the impending launch of the Bharat New Car Assessment Program (Bharat NCAP) crash tests on December 15, 2023. This initiative is set to revolutionize automotive safety in the country and make vehicle safety ratings more accessible to consumers.
**Uniform Test Protocols for Enhanced Safety**
Bharat NCAP aligns itself closely with Global NCAP, adopting similar crash test protocols that emphasize adult occupant protection (AOP), child occupant protection (COP), and safety assist technologies (SAT). These assessments are designed to provide a comprehensive evaluation of a vehicle’s safety features and performance in crash scenarios.
**A Voluntary Initiative with Noteworthy Participants**
What sets Bharat NCAP apart is its voluntary nature. It allows automotive manufacturers to choose whether they want their vehicle models to undergo testing. Several key automakers in India have embraced this challenge, signifying their commitment to improving automotive safety.
Leading the charge in this first batch of tests are renowned manufacturers such as Maruti Suzuki, Hyundai, Mahindra, and Tata Motors. Tata Motors made history as the first OEM to apply for a Bharat NCAP rating. Their recently launched models, the Harrier and Safari facelifts, have already earned 5-star ratings in Global NCAP crash tests. Maruti Suzuki is sending three of its vehicles for testing, while Mahindra is participating with four models. Although the exact list of models to be tested remains undisclosed, details will be revealed in the coming days.
**Indian, Japanese, and Korean OEMs Take the Lead**
The initial phase of Bharat NCAP testing will see more than three dozen vehicles undergo crash tests. These cars primarily come from Indian, Japanese, and Korean manufacturers. While Bharat NCAP is not mandatory, this impressive turnout of participants in the first phase emphasizes that automotive companies are eager to establish their safety credentials.
**Challenges and Delays**
Despite the positive response, some European car manufacturers, including Skoda, Volkswagen, Renault, and Stellantis Group, are yet to decide whether to participate in Bharat NCAP. A key point of contention for some is the argument that their cars have already undergone testing under Global NCAP, questioning the necessity of additional assessments.
A brief delay in launching the crash tests was attributed to the festive season, which can result in a shortage of manpower. However, this minor setback does not diminish the significance of Bharat NCAP’s objectives.
**Bharat NCAP: A Catalyst for Safer Roads**
As Bharat NCAP readies for its official launch, the mission to improve automotive safety in India remains clear. This initiative, specially tailored for Indian standards, will carry forward the responsibility of raising awareness about car safety in the country, a role previously played by Global NCAP. It is set to serve as a catalyst for elevating the safety standards of vehicles manufactured in India.
In conclusion, the impending launch of Bharat NCAP is an important step towards safer roads and fewer accidents in India. It encourages automakers to prioritize safety features and provides consumers with the information they need to make informed choices. With Maruti, Hyundai, Mahindra, and Tata leading the way, the future of automotive safety in India looks promising, emphasizing the collective commitment to reducing road accidents and ensuring safer cars for all.
