Introduction
In a significant development for automotive safety in India, the Bharat New Car Assessment Programme (BNCAP), overseen by the Government of India, has successfully concluded its inaugural round of crash testing. The much-anticipated results, poised to influence consumer decisions, are expected to be officially disclosed either later this week or by the close of the month.
Delayed Start Due to Festive Season
Originally scheduled to commence on October 15th, the initiation of testing faced a delay, being rescheduled to December 15th. This postponement was attributed to the festive season, which presented a period of heightened activity and celebrations.
Central Institute of Road Transport to Announce Ratings
The Central Institute of Road Transport (CIRT) Pune, acting as the program manager for the car assessment plan, will be responsible for the formal announcement of star ratings ranging from 1 to 5. These ratings hold paramount importance for potential car buyers, providing invaluable insights into the safety features and crashworthiness of various car models.
Top Car Manufacturers Participate
Leading car manufacturers such as Hyundai, Kia, Maruti Suzuki, Mahindra, and Toyota have actively participated in the inaugural round of crash tests. It is noteworthy that the Bharat NCAP is a voluntary program, focusing specifically on testing the base variant of each participating car model.
Testing Process and Parameters
The testing process encompasses both Adult Occupant Protection (AOP) and Child Occupant Protection (COP) tests conducted on vehicles weighing up to 3,500kg. Safety ratings, assigned based on the performance in these tests, range from zero to five. Distinct from the Global NCAP approach, Bharat NCAP provides a unified rating for both AOP and COP.
Inclusive Testing for Different Car Types
Bharat NCAP strives for inclusivity in its testing regimen, evaluating a variety of vehicles, including those powered by Internal Combustion Engines (ICE), Compressed Natural Gas (CNG), and Electric Vehicles (EVs). The testing agencies, namely the Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI) and the International Centre for Automotive Technology (ICAT), randomly select vehicles from authorized dealerships for comprehensive evaluation.
Detailed Crash Test Ratings
The crash test ratings are comprehensive, covering vehicles with type approval and spanning across models with a seating capacity of up to eight people, including the driver. The testing includes evaluations at different speeds: 64kph for frontal impact, 50kph for side impact, and 29kph for pole side impact.
Anticipated Announcement Event
There is a buzz about the possibility of a mega event for the announcement of results, potentially featuring the presence of Road Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari and key officials associated with Bharat NCAP. However, it is essential to note that this plan is still under consideration, contributing to the delay in posting the ratings on the official BNCAP website.
Financial Aspects of Testing
During the launch of the program, it was highlighted that a BNCAP test costs approximately Rs 60 lakh, while an overseas test incurs significantly higher expenses, approximately Rs 2.50 crore.
These crash test results play a pivotal role in empowering consumers with detailed safety information, aiding them in making well-informed decisions when considering the purchase of a vehicle. The automotive community eagerly awaits the forthcoming announcement, marking a significant stride in enhancing safety standards in the Indian automobile landscape. Stay tuned for this landmark revelation.