The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) has released a draft notification for Bharat NCAP 2.0, proposing a comprehensive upgrade of India’s passenger-vehicle safety rating system effective October 2027.

Key Framework Changes Proposed

• Five-Pillar Rating Structure: Bharat NCAP 2.0 will evaluate vehicles across Crash Protection, Vulnerable Road User (VRU) Protection, Safe Driving, Accident Avoidance, and Post-Crash Safety.
• Eligibility Conditions: Vehicles must have ESC and side head protection devices (curtain airbags) as standard to be evaluated
• Shift in Rating Philosophy: Manufacturers cannot rely on crashworthiness alone, as greater weight is given to technologies aiding accident prevention and post-crash survival.
• Shift from Existing Approach: Earlier focus on Adult Occupant Protection (AOP), Child Occupant Protection (COP) and Safety Assist now transitions to a holistic real-world safety framework.
• Timeline: The updated norms are proposed to apply from October 2027, after the current norms expire on 20 September 2027.

What is Bharat NCAP?

• Bharat New Car Assessment Programme (Bharat NCAP) is India’s independent car safety rating system that evaluates the crash safety performance of vehicles sold in the country.
• It rates vehicles from 0 to 5 stars based on their safety for adult occupants and child occupants.
• Purpose: Its aim is to enhance vehicle safety, reduce road fatalities, empower consumers to choose safer cars, and push manufacturers to improve safety standards.
• Launch: Bharat NCAP was launched on 22 August 2023 by the Ministry of Road Transport & Highways (MoRTH).
• Oversight: Administered by MoRTH but functions as an independent body.
• Testing Standard: Tests follow Automotive Industry Standard (AIS) 197.
• Key Features:
  • Based on global NCAP protocols adapted for Indian conditions.
  • Focuses on safety features such as ABS, ESC, seatbelt reminders, ISOFIX, six airbags, and crash-worthy structure.
  • Eligible Vehicles: Right-hand drive passenger vehicles below 3,500 kg.
  • Vehicle Types: ICE models, CNG cars, and electric vehicles are tested.
• How It Works: 
  • Car models are tested voluntarily by manufacturers or nominated by the government.
  • Ratings are based on protection to head, neck, chest, knees, and critical body regions, along with airbag deployment, body shell integrity, and child restraint systems.

Why was Bharat NCAP 2.0 Needed ? 

• High Fatality Burden: India accounts for nearly 11% of global road deaths, highlighting gaps in vehicle safety.
• Vulnerable Road Users: Pedestrians, cyclists, and two-wheeler riders constitute nearly half of India’s road fatalities.
• Higher Speed Mobility: Growing highway expansion requires advanced crash avoidance technologies.
• Policy Alignment: India requires upgraded norms to match global NCAP frameworks and support export competitiveness.

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Significance

• For Buyers: Provides clearer, more comprehensive safety ratings covering active, passive, and post-crash safety.
• For Manufacturers:  Encourages automakers to adopt advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) and improve pedestrian/two-wheeler safety, aligning India with global NCAP practices.
• For Road Safety Goals: Enhances India’s alignment with global crash-test standards and prioritises real-world protection for both occupants and vulnerable road users.

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