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Bharat NCAP: A Comprehensive Guide to India's Car Safety Rating System
The Bharat New Car Assessment Programme (BNCAP), launched in October 2023, is India’s own vehicle safety rating system designed to ensure cars sold in the country meet specific safety standards. Modelled after the Global NCAP, Bharat NCAP tests the safety of new cars based on adult and child occupant protection, along with other crucial safety features like seatbelt reminders and electronic stability control (ESC).
What is Global NCAP?
Global NCAP, established in 2011, is a worldwide initiative that evaluates car safety through crash testing. The #SaferCarsForIndia campaign focuses on encouraging manufacturers to improve vehicle safety for markets like India, ensuring that local cars meet global safety standards.
Testing Procedures for Bharat NCAP
Bharat NCAP rates cars on a scale of 1 to 5 stars, where 5 is the highest rating. This assessment involves:
- Adult Occupant Protection
- Child Occupant Protection
- Fitment of Safety Features
The crash tests are divided into the following categories:
- Offset Front Impact: Tested at 64 km/h.
- Side Impact: Conducted at 50 km/h.
- Side Pole Impact: Cars must score at least 3 stars in the previous tests to qualify for this test, which is performed at 29 km/h.
How Does Bharat NCAP Select Cars for Testing?
The BNCAP evaluates vehicles based on two main criteria:
- The car must have sold at least 30,000 units in the previous year.
- Manufacturers voluntarily submit cars for testing, or the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) may recommend models.
Once selected, the car undergoes crash testing with dummies outfitted with sensors to gather data, simulating real-life accident scenarios. The crash test results are reviewed, and safety ratings are assigned.
Breakdown of Safety Ratings
Bharat NCAP’s star ratings reflect the overall performance of cars:
- 5-Star: Excellent safety performance with ESC, pedestrian protection, and side head protection.
- 4-Star: Good safety performance with similar protection standards as 5-star.
- 3-Star: Cars must have ESC and seat belt reminders.
- 2-Star & 1-Star: Basic to marginal protection, with fewer mandatory safety technologies.
The maximum scores are 32 for adult protection and 49 for child protection.
Official BNCAP Crash Test Requirements
- Automakers nominate vehicles for testing.
- BNCAP officials select cars randomly from the manufacturer’s stock.
- The testing process is overseen by both BNCAP and manufacturer representatives.
Results So Far
As of now, cars like Tata Safari, Harrier, Punch EV, and Nexon EV have been tested. All achieved stellar results, with the Safari and Harrier scoring 30.08/32 for adult protection and 44.54/49 for child protection, highlighting their top-tier safety features.
How Does Bharat NCAP Compare to Global NCAP?
While both programs aim to improve car safety, Bharat NCAP is tailored for Indian driving conditions, using a 32-point scale for adult protection, compared to Global NCAP's 36-point scale. The addition of mandatory seat belt reminders in India is a significant difference between the two.
Rise of Car Safety Features in India
The growing awareness of car safety has pushed manufacturers to standardize key safety features such as airbags, ESC, blind-spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control. Additionally, technologies like Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) are gaining traction and are expected to become integral to future safety assessments. Countries like Japan have already incorporated ADAS into their scoring systems.
How Does Bharat NCAP Impact Car Owners?
The BNCAP plays a crucial role in ensuring vehicle safety for Indian consumers. Safer cars reduce the risk of injury and fatalities in accidents. Given that India has one of the highest road accident rates globally, initiatives like Bharat NCAP are essential for improving road safety. Although vehicle prices may rise due to stringent safety standards, the long-term benefits of safer cars far outweigh the costs.
Conclusion: Bharat NCAP – A Step Towards Safer Roads
Bharat NCAP’s launch marks a significant milestone in India’s journey toward improved road safety. By setting strict testing standards and pushing automakers to produce safer vehicles, it’s a welcome change for both the industry and consumers alike.
