India's BNCAP Program: A Crucial Step Towards Road Safety Revolution

Cars play an essential role in our daily lives, given the extensive network of roads and highways and the increasing number of vehicles on the streets. Consequently, when choosing a vehicle, our top priority is ensuring the safety of both the vehicle occupants and pedestrians. This safety concern has become a global challenge, requiring the attention of governments and regulatory bodies worldwide.

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In response to this issue, India has taken a significant step by introducing the Bharat New Car Assessment Programme (BNCAP), which aligns with car assessment programs established internationally. BNCAP's primary aim is to assess the safety performance of vehicles available in India, impacting not only the automotive industry but also the lives of countless individuals who depend on vehicles for daily transportation.

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The significance of this program for India becomes apparent when examining the following statistics:

"Despite having only 1% of the world's vehicles, India accounts for 11% of global road accident fatalities", as reported by the World Bank. Each year, approximately 450,000 accidents occur in India, resulting in 150,000 deaths. India holds the unfortunate distinction of having the highest number of road accident casualties, with 53 accidents occurring every hour and one death every four minutes. Often, lower-priced cars come with reduced safety standards, but the value of lives lost far exceeds any cost considerations. Hence, all vehicles in India with a seating capacity of eight or fewer and a net weight of 3.5 metric tons or less must undergo safety ratings testing in India before being sold. Before the introduction of BNCAP, some Indian car manufacturers voluntarily subjected their vehicles to the Global NCAP test. However, Bharat NCAP mandates this testing for manufacturers before their vehicles hit the road.

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The Bharat New Car Assessment Programme evaluates cars on a scale of 1 to 5 based on safety, considering the following criteria:

1. Protection for Adult Occupants
2. Protection for Child Occupants
3. Safety Assist Technologies

To achieve a 5-star rating, vehicles must be equipped with ABS, EBD, ASC, and a front-row seatbelt reminder system.

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Global NCAP, in collaboration with the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH), has announced the Bharat NCAP crash test ratings, set to take effect from October 1, 2023. With this development, India will become the fifth country globally to establish its own car crash test rating system. Cars tested under this program will bear the Bharat NCAP logo and a rating sticker designed in a manner similar to the familiar electricity usage stickers, making it easily understandable for the general public.

The Bharat NCAP testing is scheduled to commence on October 1 of this year, with reports indicating that the new Tata Nexon will be the first car to undergo these tests. This proactive move by the Government of India represents a significant step toward preventing road accidents and reducing casualties.