Bharat NCAP To Come Into Effect From October 1: All You Need To Know

India's automotive industry is gearing up for the long-awaited Bharat New Car Assessment Program (Bharat NCAP) crash safety rating system for cars, set to be implemented on October 1, 2023. This homegrown safety testing initiative draws inspiration from the widely acclaimed Global NCAP. Bharat NCAP will subject cars manufactured and sold in India to rigorous crash tests to assess their crashworthiness and overall safety performance. While manufacturers can voluntarily participate in the testing program, strong encouragement is given to submit sample vehicles for evaluation.

These vehicles can be provided by manufacturers or randomly chosen from authorised dealerships by the testing agency. The crash test ratings under Bharat NCAP will apply to vehicles with type approval, including up to eight-seater models, covering the driver's seats. Vehicles with a gross vehicle weight of less than 3.5 tonnes, whether domestically manufactured or imported, will undergo the Bharat NCAP crash tests. This approach ensures that safety assessments apply to commonly used vehicles available in the Indian market.

The process of submitting a model for crash testing is straightforward. Manufacturers begin by providing model details for evaluation. Once the application is accepted, the Bharat NCAP authority selects the model for assessment. After conducting the crash test, the results are conveyed to the respective OEM. Then, the manufacturers have the option to make these results public and can request a reassessment if needed, enhancing transparency and credibility.

Additionally, Bharat NCAP can also independently acquire models from showrooms for crash testing, ensuring an impartial evaluation. The program also includes testing facilities for CNG and electric vehicles. The crash testing under Bharat NCAP comprises three main types of tests- the Offset Deformable Barrier Frontal Impact Test, the Side Impact Test, and the Pole Side Impact Test. These tests comprehensively assess a vehicle's ability to safeguard occupants during diverse collision scenarios.

Bharat NCAP assigns safety ratings in two categories: Adult Occupant Protection (AOP) and Child Occupant Protection (COP). To achieve a 5-Star safety rating for Adult Occupant Protection, a vehicle must attain a minimum of 27 points during testing. Similarly, a 5-Star rating in Child Occupant Protection necessitates a score of 41 points.

The introduction of Bharat NCAP is expected to bring several advantages to India's automotive landscape. It offers a cost-effective alternative to the expensive Global NCAP crash testing, making safety evaluation more accessible to local manufacturers. Moreover, the program is likely to drive advancements in vehicle safety as automakers strive to achieve higher safety ratings and gain a competitive edge in the market.