Exciting Updates: Bharat NCAP 2.0 Launching by October 2027 – A New Era for ADAS Safety Testing!

India recently introduced a vehicle safety assessment called Bharat NCAP on October 1, 2023. This program, launched by Union Road Transport and Highway Minister Nitin Gadkari, aims to enhance vehicle safety in India by offering a safety rating system. A major upgrade, Bharat NCAP 2.0, is expected to roll out in October 2027. This update will include Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) in its evaluations, significantly improving road safety.

Bharat NCAP is inspired by international safety programs. It focuses on how well vehicles protect passengers during crashes. Since its launch, it has assessed more than 14 vehicles, including both electric and gasoline-powered models. The upcoming 2.0 version will introduce features such as Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB), lane departure warnings, adaptive cruise control, and driver monitoring systems to enhance active safety.

To support these advancements, the Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI) is building a new mobility research center in Takawe, Pune. This facility will include a smart city test track for ADAS and a hydrogen test center. One of its standout features will be a high energy impact test (HEIT) facility, the first of its kind in India and Asia.

Driving conditions in India can be challenging, with heavy traffic and unpredictable patterns. The integration of ADAS in Bharat NCAP aims to test these systems in real Indian scenarios. The goal is to motivate car manufacturers to prioritize safety, helping to combat the human errors that are responsible for more than 80% of road accidents.

In 2023, India faced an alarming increase in road accidents, resulting in 1.72 lakh fatalities from 4.8 lakh incidents. By implementing Bharat NCAP 2.0, India is joining other countries that focus on active safety technologies to reduce accidents and save lives. Companies like Honda, Tata Motors, and Mahindra are already adopting ADAS features, contributing to a safer automotive landscape in the country.