Exploring Bharat NCAP 2.0: What the New Safety Rules Mean for Vehicles and Pedestrian Protection

The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) is enhancing vehicle safety in India with the Bharat New Car Assessment Program (Bharat NCAP). Launched in October 2023, this program helps assess how well cars perform in crash safety, giving star ratings based on their safety features.

The updated draft for Bharat NCAP is set to broaden safety assessments and introduce new tests. For instance, it will now gauge how well vehicles protect vulnerable road users, like pedestrians—who account for over 20% of road accident fatalities.

So, what exactly is Bharat NCAP? It rates cars based on crash tests and safety evaluations. The highest performing vehicles earn a five-star rating. This program is particularly valuable for manufacturers aiming to highlight their safety ratings in marketing. Unlike basic roadworthiness standards, Bharat NCAP emphasizes crashworthiness to ensure better protection in real accidents.

Many countries have similar programs, like the Global NCAP, but Bharat NCAP focuses specifically on India’s needs. It is voluntary, with the Central Institute of Road Transport (CIRT) responsible for issuing ratings.

What Changes are Coming in Bharat NCAP 2.0?

The 2025 Bharat NCAP draft introduces several significant updates. The evaluation will now focus on five main areas:

1. Safe Driving (10%)
2. Accident Avoidance (10%)
3. Crash Protection (55%)
4. Vulnerable Road User Protection (20%)
5. Post-Crash Safety (5%)

So, what does this mean for testing? The number of mandatory crash tests will increase from three to five. These include various impact tests at specific speeds, utilizing advanced test dummies to accurately measure potential injuries.

Enhancing Safety for Vulnerable Road Users

The 2025 draft places a strong emphasis on protecting vulnerable road users. New tests will include impacts against a vehicle’s bumper and hood to assess how well it can protect pedestrians. Additionally, optional assessments will evaluate technologies like Autonomous Emergency Braking Systems (AEBS), designed to help prevent accidents.

Another key focus area is Accident Avoidance. Here, Electronic Stability Control (ESC) systems will be mandatory for vehicles wishing to earn star ratings. Meanwhile, post-crash safety measures will address minimizing harm after crashes by ensuring better management of fire risks and easier occupant exit.

Star Rating Changes

The weightage for star ratings will also change. Achieving a 4-star or 5-star rating will require scoring 65 and 80 points, respectively, compared to the previous 60 and 70. Moreover, a vehicle with a 5-star rating cannot record “zero” scores in any assessment area to maintain that rating.

Car Safety in Context

According to recent data from the Ministry of Road Transport, India recorded over 150,000 road fatalities in a single year, highlighting the urgent need for enhanced vehicle safety standards. As vehicles become safer, public awareness is also rising, with discussions on social media about the importance of these safety ratings.

Experts emphasize that improving vehicle safety can substantially reduce fatalities on the roads. The increased focus on vulnerable road users is not just a regulatory requirement; it’s a critical step towards safeguarding lives.

As Bharat NCAP gears up for its revisions, the last date for public feedback on the new rules is December 20, 2025. With more robust testing and evaluation, manufacturers, consumers, and road users can look forward to safer vehicles on Indian roads.

Source link

bharat NCAP, India car safety standards, how is car safety assessed in india, indian express explained