Bharat New Car Assessment Programme (Bharat NCAP)


Why in News: Nitin Gadkari launches Bharat NCAP: Set to be implemented from October 1, 2023

Aim of Bharat NCAP: Promoting Safety Standards in Indian Automobiles

The primary objective of the Bharat New Assessment Program (Bharat NCAP) is to facilitate Indian automobile manufacturers in subjecting their vehicles to stringent safety evaluations, specifically conforming to the Automotive Industry Standard (AIS) 197.

Understanding NCAP: 

  • Bharat NCAP's core mission is to enhance road safety by assigning star ratings to vehicles based on their performance in rigorous safety examinations. 
  • These tests encompass assessments of both adult occupant (AOP) and child occupant (COP) safety, offering consumers a simplified means of comparing safety levels across different car models prior to purchasing.
  • Manufacturers have the option to voluntarily present their vehicles for testing according to the guidelines laid out in the Automotive Industry Standard (AIS) 197.
  • The new programme will be applicable to pas­senger vehicles with not more than eight seats in addition to the driver’s seat with a gross vehicle weight not exceeding 3,500 kg.

    Key Highlights of Bharat NCAP

    • Bharat NCAP introduces a comprehensive crash-test program, employing a point-based scoring system that translates into star ratings.
    • These star ratings provide prospective buyers with a transparent reference for making purchase decisions grounded in the vehicle's safety credentials.
    • Currently excluding electric vehicles (EVs), there are plans to include the EV segment in the program's scope in the near future.

    Diverse Crash Test Types

    • Frontal Crash Test: This test evaluates a vehicle's capacity to absorb impact during a head-on collision at a speed of 64 kmph.
    • Side Crash Test: At a speed of 50 kmph, this test assesses the vehicle's ability to safeguard occupants in a side collision scenario.
    • Pole-Side Crash Test: Simulating a side collision with a pole or tree at 29 kmph, this test scrutinizes the car's structural integrity and occupant protection.

    Additional Safety Assessments

    • Apart from crash testing, Bharat NCAP incorporates safety elements such as the Electronic Stability Programme (ESP) and pedestrian protection measures into the rating system for all vehicles.

    Process: 

    • Bharat NCAP re­presentatives will visit the manufacturing facility or a dealer outlet to select the base variant of the model through random sampling and send it to a testing centre, in coordination with the Central Institute of Road Transport (CIRT).
    • The test results be, approved by the Bharat NCAP Standing Committee and published on its web­ site. 
    • The CIRT will issue a certiļ¬cate

    Significance of Bharat NCAP: Advancing Safety and Export Potential

    • Bharat NCAP represents an initiative, poised to enhance both passenger safety and the export viability of Indian automobiles. 
    • This move underscores a substantial stride in augmenting road safety standards for vehicles weighing up to 3.5 tonnes within India.

    Global NCAP: 

    • Global New Car As­sessment Programme (Glo­bal NCAP), a project of the Towards Zero Foundation, which is a U.K.­registered charity that promotes the universal adoption of the United Nation’s motor veh­icle safety standards world­ wide.
    • These assessments encompass a limited range of tests, resulting in star ratings for adult and child safety.

    Comparison between Bharat NCAP and Global NCAP

    Safety Rating Categories:

    • In the Global NCAP, a vehicle requires a minimum of 34 points—16 points for front crash test, 16 for side impact, and 2 points for seatbelt reminders—to attain a 5-star safety rating for adult occupant protection.
    • In contrast, Bharat NCAP mandates a minimum of 27 points for adult occupant protection and 41 points for child occupant protection to achieve a 5-star rating.

    Types of Crash Testing:

    Bharat NCAP follows Global NCAP norms for crash testing, encompassing offset deformable barrier frontal impact, side impact, and pole side impact tests. Additionally, Bharat NCAP mandates the inclusion of features like six airbags, electronic stability control (ESC), three-point seatbelts for all passengers, enhanced emergency braking systems, etc.

    Top Speed in Crash Tests:

    Bharat NCAP conducts frontal crash tests at 64 km/h, while side and pole-side impact tests are carried out at 50 km/h and 29 km/h, respectively—paralleling Global NCAP's approach with minor variations.

    To conclude, The program is expected to move towards the demand for safer cars, pushing manufacturers to cater to customer safety preferences. 

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