Introduction
The Bharat New Car Assessment Programme (BNCAP), introduced by the Government of India, has recently concluded its inaugural round of crash testing. The eagerly awaited results are anticipated to be announced either later this week or by the end of the month, providing valuable insights into the safety performance of various car models.
Delayed Testing Timeline
Originally scheduled to commence on October 15th, the Bharat NCAP tests encountered a delay, with the testing process eventually starting on December 15th. The postponement was attributed to the festive season, which created a busier schedule and necessitated an adjustment in the testing timeline.
Formal Star Ratings Announcement
While testing agencies have completed their evaluations, the formal assignment of star ratings ranging from 1 to 5 will be officially declared by the Central Institute of Road Transport (CIRT) Pune. CIRT, as the designated program manager overseeing the car assessment plan, plays a pivotal role in providing a standardized and comprehensive safety evaluation framework.
Key Participants and Vehicle Categories
Prominent automotive manufacturers, including Hyundai, Kia, Maruti Suzuki, Mahindra, and Toyota, actively participated in the first round of crash tests under the Bharat NCAP. Notably, the program is designed as a voluntary initiative, focusing on evaluating the base variant of each car. This inclusive approach ensures a broad representation of different vehicle types, encompassing varying engine technologies such as Internal Combustion Engine (ICE), Compressed Natural Gas (CNG), and Electric Vehicles (EVs).
Anticipated Mega Event for Ratings Announcement
Speculation surrounds the possibility of a mega event where senior government officials, including Road Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari and Bharat NCAP representatives, might unveil the safety ratings. However, the plan is still under consideration, contributing to the delay in publishing the ratings on the official BNCAP website. The potential event signifies the significance attached to the safety ratings and their role in shaping consumer awareness and choices.
Testing Procedures and Criteria
Bharat NCAP employs a comprehensive testing process, evaluating both Adult Occupant Protection (AOP) and Child Occupant Protection (COP) tests for vehicles weighing up to 3,500kg. The safety ratings, ranging from zero to five, are provided for both AOP and COP, distinguishing it from Global NCAP, which offers separate ratings for each category. The selection of vehicles for testing is randomized and conducted by the Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI) and the International Centre for Automotive Technology (ICAT) from authorized dealerships, ensuring a fair representation of vehicles in the market.
Inclusive Vehicle Type Approval and Testing Costs
Bharat NCAP crash test ratings are designed to apply to vehicles holding type approval, encompassing models with a seating capacity of up to eight, including the driver. Government officials emphasize the program's inclusivity by including the evaluation and rating of CNG, electric, and internal combustion engine vehicles. Gadkari had previously mentioned that the cost of a BNCAP test is Rs 60 lakh, while an overseas test incurs a significantly higher expense of approximately Rs 2.50 crore, underlining the commitment to stringent safety standards.
Expanding on these details provides a more comprehensive understanding of the Bharat NCAP program, its significance, and the complexities involved in conducting thorough safety evaluations for a diverse range of vehicles.