Union Minister Nitin Gadkari to launch Bharat New Car Assessment Programme to improve road safety

Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari will launch the Bharat New Car Assessment Programme Bharat NCAP today in New Delhi.

Ministry of Road Transport and Highways said this programme is a significant step forward in the Government’s commitment to improve road safety through raising the safety standards of motor vehicles up to 3.5 tonnes in India.

The programme aims to provide a tool to car customers to make a comparative assessment of crash safety of motor vehicles available in the market.

Under this programme, car manufacturers can voluntarily offer their cars tested as per Automotive Industry Standard (AIS) 197.

Based on the performance of the car in the tests, the car will be awarded star ratings for Adult Occupants AOP and Child Occupant COP.

Potential car customers can refer to these star ratings to compare the safety standards of different vehicles and accordingly make their purchase decision.

The Ministry said it is expected that the demand for safer cars will increase, encouraging the car manufacturers to comply with customer needs. it said, with high safety standards, Indian cars will be able to compete better in the global market, increasing the export potential of the car manufacturers in India. 

The programme is also expected to develop a safety-sensitive car market in India.