Union Minister Nitin Gadkari launches India's first crash testing programme Bharat NCAP

Bharat NCAP Launched: Union minister Nitin Gadkari on Tuesday launched the country's first crash testing programme Bharat NCAP, which is aimed at improving road safety standards of motor vehicles up to 3.5 tonnes. This is an important day for the automobile industry and society as it will improve the safety features of vehicles, the minister for road, transport and highways said in his address.

The Bharat NCAP (New Car Assessment Programme) mechanism has been prepared in a systematic way keeping all stakeholders' view into account, he said.

The country is facing two challenges, namely road accident and air pollution. Every year around 5 lakh accidents take place in India and 1.5 lakh deaths due to these accidents, Gadkari said, adding Bharat NCAP is India's own crash testing programme which aims to improve safety features in vehicles.

Launched the Bharat New Car Assessment Program (BHARAT NCAP) in New Delhi, aiming to enhance road safety by elevating vehicle safety standards for up to 3.5-tonne vehicles in India.

This is a landmark step towards empowering our consumers for being able to make a better choice… pic.twitter.com/VhFZq4kSHT

— Nitin Gadkari (@nitin_gadkari) August 22, 2023

Bharat NCAP will be implemented from October 1, 2023.

Based on the performance of the car in the tests, the vehicle will be awarded star ratings on a scale of 0-5, for adult occupants (AOP) and child occupants (COP).

Also Read: India sees over 120% growth in EVs, hybrid vehicles surge 400%

Potential car customers can refer to these star ratings to compare the safety standards of different vehicles and accordingly make their purchase decision.

Live from the Launch of ‘Bharat New Car Assessment Program’ (Bharat NCAP), New Delhi. #BharatNCAP
https://t.co/NOhSXbUYP9

— Nitin Gadkari (@nitin_gadkari) August 22, 2023

It is expected that the demand for safer cars will increase, encouraging the car manufacturers to comply with customer needs, an official statement said.

"With high safety standards, Indian cars will be able to compete better in the global market, increasing the export potential of the car manufacturers in India. The programme is expected to develop a safety-sensitive car market in India," the Ministry for Road, Transport and Highways said.

Catch latest stock market updates here. For all other news related to business, politics, tech, sports and auto, visit Zeebiz.com.