In a significant development, the Government of India’s Bharat New Car Assessment Programme (BNCAP) has successfully completed its first round of crash testing, with the announcement of results anticipated by the end of this month. The eagerly awaited ratings are expected to empower car buyers with crucial safety information to make informed purchase decisions.
The Bharat NCAP tests, originally scheduled to commence on October 15th, experienced a delay and were rescheduled for December 15th due to the busy holiday season. The Central Institute of Road Transport (CIRT) Pune, serving as the program manager for the car assessment plan, is set to officially reveal the star ratings ranging from 1 to 5 based on the evaluations submitted by testing agencies.
Manufacturers’ Participation and Testing Scope
Prominent automobile manufacturers such as Hyundai, Kia, Maruti Suzuki, Mahindra, and Toyota have actively participated by submitting their models for the initial round of crash tests. The Bharat NCAP is a voluntary program, focusing on testing the base variant of each car to ensure comprehensive safety assessments.
The testing process encompasses Adult Occupant Protection (AOP) and Child Occupant Protection (COP) tests on vehicles weighing up to 3,500kg, with safety ratings assigned on a scale from zero to five. Unlike Global NCAP, which provides separate ratings for AOP and COP, Bharat NCAP will offer a unified safety rating.
Anticipation Surrounding the Announcement
Mahmood Ahmed, additional secretary at the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, has indicated that the government remains committed to the BNCAP program. The results are expected to be shared either this week or before the conclusion of the year. Plans for a potential mega event to announce the ratings, featuring Road Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari and Bharat NCAP officials, are under consideration.
However, the delay in ratings being published on the BNCAP website is attributed to ongoing debates regarding the announcement event. Despite this, senior government officials express confidence that the results will be disclosed soon.
Comprehensive Testing Involving Various Vehicle Types
The Bharat NCAP testing regime is inclusive, evaluating vehicles with type approval and a seating capacity of up to eight, including the driver. The assessment extends to various propulsion types, encompassing CNG, electric, and internal combustion engine vehicles. Testing agencies, namely the Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI) and the International Centre for Automotive Technology (ICAT), select vehicles randomly from authorized dealerships.
Cost of Testing and Global Comparisons
During the program’s launch, Minister Gadkari revealed that over 30 models had been nominated for testing. A BNCAP test is estimated to cost Rs 60 lakh, providing a comprehensive safety evaluation for vehicles. In comparison, overseas tests come at a significantly higher price, approximately Rs 2.50 crore.
The impending release of Bharat NCAP crash test results is poised to be a significant milestone in enhancing automotive safety standards in India, emphasizing the commitment of the government and manufacturers to prioritize consumer safety.
