Bharat NCAP: A Step Towards Safer Indian Cars

As part of a major initiative to raise the safety standards of vehicles produced within its borders, India introduced the Bharat New Car Assessment Programme (Bharat NCAP) in August. The programme, modelled after the Global NCAP, has been adapted to meet Indian specifications. However, it was only on October 1st that the Bharat NCAP officially came into effect. The actual commencement of testing, though, will be delayed until after Diwali in December, due to the celebratory season in India.

Starting December 15, the Bharat NCAP will initiate crash tests for over three dozen cars. Listed among these are models from diversified Indian, Japanese, and Korean manufacturers. The goal of the programme is to assess the specifications for safety provided by these automobile companies, effectively shaping a more transparent and reliable Indian vehicle industry.

While India maintains compulsory crash test norms for structural safety, Bharat NCAP seeks to raise the bar. The program rates vehicles according to three key criteria - Adult Occupant Protection (AOP), Child Occupant Protection (COP), and Safety Assist Technologies (SAT). The rating framework for vehicles is based on the standards set under the Automotive Indian Standard (AIS). It uses a star system, assigning vehicles with a rating between zero and five relying on their performance in testing. Manufacturers and importers interested in attaining a BNCAP rating must apply through a centralized Form 70 A.

Even though acquiring this rating isn't obligatory, the response from car manufacturers has been highly optimistic. Companies are eager to achieve the highest possible safety rating, a five-star score, to display their commitment towards consumer safety. Notably, Tata Motors is the first company to have applied for the BNCAP rating with two of their latest models, Harrier and Safari, to be the first vehicles to undergo the crash tests.

Apart from Tata, other Indian automobile heavyweights like Maruti Suzuki, Hyundai Motor India, and Mahindra and Mahindra will contribute three and four models respectively for testing. At the agreed-upon time, these companies will disclose the names of the models being tested. As per the GNCAP norms from which the Bharat NCAP is derived, testing agencies will select three units of the base variant of each model for rigorous assessment.

On the other hand, it appears that European carmakers like Renault India, Skoda Auto Volkswagen India, and the Stellantis Group are not in a hurry to get their cars safety-rated under the new system. For some, they have not yet decided on which models they want to be rated for safety. For others, their models have already earned safety ratings from Global NCAP, and as such, they don't see the immediate need to opt for BNCAP ratings. The government's assigned testing agencies like the Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI), the International Centre for Automotive Technology (ICAT) and Global Automotive Research (GAR), will take the helm in performing the crash tests.

In conclusion, with the initiation of Bharat NCAP, India has taken a substantial leap towards solidifying its auto industry's dedication towards higher safety standards. This initiative promotes transparency and trust, conveying to consumers the seriousness with which safety measures are taken in the development and production of Indian-manufactured vehicles. The Bharat NCAP will be a significant factor in prospective purchases, offering a guideline for consumers looking for the safest automotive options in the Indian market.