India Will be Fifth country to Start dedicated Car crash Safety Rating

Bharat New Car Assessment Program (NCAP) is being launched by the Road Transport and Highways Ministry. A large number of road accidents occur in the country and these may reduce after the implementation of Bharat NCAP. Under this, safety standards for 3.5 ton motor vehicles will be increased. The Ministry has said that this will make it easier for car buyers to assess the crash safety of motor vehicles available in the automobile market. Under Bharat NCAP, car makers will be able to voluntarily get their cars tested. Star ratings will be given based on the car’s performance in crash tests. Before buying a car, customers will be able to compare the safety standards of different vehicles by looking at these star ratings.

The demand for safer cars is expected to increase after the implementation of new safety regulations. This will also encourage car makers to follow Bharat NCAP for manufacturing safe cars. The ministry hopes that with higher safety standards, the demand for domestically made cars will also increase in the international market.

A minimum of six airbags will be made mandatory in all passenger cars (M1) categories from October 1. The rule of six airbags in passenger cars for automobile companies was to be implemented last year but it was postponed. Automobile companies had requested the government to reconsider this rule as it would increase the manufacturing cost of vehicles. In the draft notification issued in this regard, it was said that at least six airbags will have to be installed in M1 category vehicles (up to 8 seats). This rule will affect budget to mid-range vehicles which do not have airbags for rear seat passengers. After the implementation of this rule, safety in vehicles for passengers will increase. Two airbags are already mandatory for passenger cars.