India's Journey Towards Bharat NCAP: An Explainer

On August 22, 2023, India is poised to take a monumental stride towards enhancing road safety as it introduces the Bharat New Car Assessment Programme, more commonly known as Bharat NCAP. This initiative marks the advent of a voluntary crash safety rating system tailored for automobiles, akin to the watchdog Global NCAP, as well as ASEAN NCAP, and Latin NCAP programs. With a mission centered on rigorously assessing the crashworthiness of vehicles, the Bharat NCAP will subject them to a battery of tests, including frontal impact, side impact, and offset frontal impact evaluations – all meticulously designed to comprehensively gauge a car's safety performance. At its heart lies a star-based rating system, spanning from 1 to 5 stars, with 5 representing the zenith of safety excellence.

Operating under the aegis of the Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI), the imminent launch of Bharat NCAP heralds a significant leap forward in road safety endeavours. This innovative program is poised to conduct its comprehensive assessments at ARAI's specialized crash test facility located in Pune. This holistic evaluation accounts for a myriad of critical factors, encompassing protection levels for occupants during frontal, side, and offset frontal impacts. Notably, the program ambitiously extends its purview to encompass the safety of pedestrians in the unfortunate event of a collision. Initially focusing on passenger cars, the program's roadmap charts an evolution encompassing a broader spectrum of vehicles, including SUVs and vans.

As of today, India adheres to the Central Motor Vehicle Rules (CMVR) of 1989, which lay the foundation for the country's crash safety regulations. These regulations meticulously detail the fundamental safety prerequisites that motor vehicles must adhere to, spanning a comprehensive spectrum of protective measures such as seat belts, airbags, child safety seats, headrests, side impact protection, and rollover protection. The CMVR addresses the unique risks posed by vehicle rollovers, requiring manufacturers to incorporate mechanisms that bolster protection in such circumstances. This provision serves as a preventive measure against the hazards associated with vehicular overturning.

Despite the comprehensive nature of these regulations, a notable void exists when it comes to a standardized safety rating system for vehicles. Unlike some other regions, the CMVR does not currently mandate the adoption of a star rating system for cars. As a consequence, consumers lack a universally recognized tool for evaluating the safety credentials of various vehicle models. This lack of standardized safety ratings can pose a challenge, complicating the decision-making process for consumers seeking vehicles that align with their safety priorities.

This critical gap underscores the significance of upcoming initiatives like the Bharat New Car Assessment Programme (Bharat NCAP). While not currently mandated by law, voluntary programs like Bharat NCAP aim to bridge this informational void. By offering a structured safety rating system, such initiatives empower consumers to make informed vehicle choices, promoting safety-conscious decisions and raising the overall safety standards of vehicles on Indian roads. In the quest for safer roadways, these programs assume a pivotal role, acting as catalysts for change and progress in the realm of automotive safety.

While the Bharat NCAP is presently voluntary, the government has expressed the possibility of future mandating should it demonstrate efficacy in bolstering road safety. Currently, India's crash safety regulations are rooted in the Central Motor Vehicle Rules (CMVR) of 1989. These regulations lay down minimum safety requisites for motor vehicles, encompassing features such as seat belts for all occupants, airbags for drivers and front passengers, child safety seats for those under 12, headrests, side impact protection, and rollover protection. However, these rules lack a standardized star rating system for vehicles, making it challenging for consumers to effectively compare safety across different models, impeding informed decision-making.

With road traffic injuries reigning as the leading cause of death among individuals aged 5-29 years in India, the Bharat NCAP's anticipated impact on road safety is substantial. By driving the adoption of safer vehicle designs and encouraging consumers to opt for safety-centric choices, this program holds the potential to curtail the grim toll of road traffic deaths. Further, it's expected to spur healthy competition among car manufacturers, propelling them to vie for higher star ratings as a means to attract safety-conscious consumers.

In summation, the imminent launch of the Bharat NCAP constitutes a transformative stride in India's road safety landscape. While voluntary, widespread participation is envisaged due to the invaluable marketing edge it confers on car manufacturers, coupled with its potential to significantly uplift road safety standards across the nation. This initiative embodies a potent convergence of safety and consumer empowerment, poised to shape a safer and more secure vehicular future.