Here in India, we do not have an official New Car Assesment Program(NCAP) facility yet. But things are about to change very soon with the introduction of Bharat NCAP(BNCAP). ARAI that’s (Automotive Research Association of India) is building an advanced testing facility for both personal and commercial vehicles. This upcoming facility will feature all the latest testing equipment that Euro NCAP and other prime facilities use. Bharat NCAP is investing heavily in order to procure the latest equipment and technologies.
Having a standardized testing environment for India is crucial. Given the variations in environmental conditions and regulations across different countries, it is evident that a universal rulebook cannot be applied to every context. Taking inspiration from Euro NCAP, ARAI aims to adapt the testing environment and methodologies to meet the specific requirements of India. This is precisely what ARAI pledges to accomplish with its new facility.
For instance, ARAI has been conducting a thorough analysis of the AE-MDB Barrier test performed by Euro NCAP. This particular test involves a moving barrier weighing approximately 1400kg, which impacts the side of a vehicle. ARAI recognizes the significance of this and many more tests like this and they intend to incorporate it into their testing protocols to assess occupant safety.
No longer it will be optional to comply with the crash tests under independent research facilities like the Global NCAP. But it will become mandatory for every car/vehicle in the showroom to be in accordance with the safety regulations provided by ARAI.
Bharat NCAP Rating
All the testing programs use a star rating to rate a vehicle’s crash test performance. Usually, it is assessed on a scale of 5, from 0 star being the lowest and 5 Stars being the highest. Similarly, Bharat NCAP will also design its testing program with this concept in mind.
When?
There is an official statement from ARAI that they are planning to make it a norm and their facility will become operational from 1st October 2023. ARAI is hard at work and by looking at the progress they’ve been going through it is safe to assume that all the new upcoming cars will follow the crash regulations set by the Indian Government.