Bharat NCAP2: Revolutionizing Vehicle Safety with Advanced ADAS Integration and Localization Testing | Autocar Professional

The Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI) is working on Bharat NCAP 2.0, a new version of India’s car safety program. This update will not only assess crash safety but also test Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS), which help drivers with features like automatic braking and lane-keeping. Ujjwala Karle from ARAI shared this information at the recent ADAS Show in Bengaluru.

Karle mentioned that they are already in the development phase. The goal of Bharat NCAP 2.0 is to align global safety standards with the specific driving conditions found in India.

Currently, ARAI is crucial for vehicle testing and certification in India. The Indian New Car Assessment Program (BNCAP) launched in August 2023 helps consumers make better car choices by assigning star ratings based on crash tests. It also boosts the chances for Indian manufacturers to export their vehicles.

Since BNCAP started, 15 vehicles, mainly SUVs, have been tested. Some examples include the Skoda Kushaq, Tata Nexon, and Hyundai Tucson.

ADAS in India: Tailoring Technology for Local Needs
Karle clarified that while the basic safety checks will stay the same, Bharat NCAP 2.0 will now also evaluate how well ADAS features are adapted to Indian roads. Features like adaptive cruise control and emergency braking are becoming more common in Indian cars, particularly at Level 2 autonomy, but they must be designed for local conditions.

“Adapting these features is essential. If tailored for India, they can make a real difference,” Karle explained. “We don’t want these systems to just exist; we want them to work effectively when people actually need them.”

Keeping Up with Regulations
Karle noted that ADAS technologies will continue to develop ahead of existing regulations. While India shares some regulatory standards with Europe, simple compliance won’t be enough. “We need robust testing to ensure these systems function well in real-world scenarios,” she said.

Regulations generally follow technological advancements rather than leading them. “It’s challenging to create regulations before the systems are ready. I encourage all stakeholders to collaborate and innovate together,” Karle urged.

As India prepares to add ADAS assessments to vehicle safety checks, Bharat NCAP 2.0 marks a vital advancement in automotive safety. ARAI’s work could lead to safer driving and increased trust in advanced vehicle technologies. With cooperation from manufacturers, regulators, and researchers, the future looks promising for automotive safety in India.