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Indian vehicles have always scored high on fuel efficiency and price parameters but safety standards have been one of their perennial weak points.

Come Tuesday (August 22, 2023) and India’s road safety canvas will undergo a vast transformation with the Minister of Road Transport and Highways, Nitin Gadkari flagging off Bharat New Car Assessment Programme (Bharat NCAP), a template that is designed to turn Indian roads safer for all users.

The programme is aimed at raising the safety standards of all vehicles within the weight limit of 3.5 tonnes.

“The programme aims to provide a tool to the car customers to make a comparative assessment of crash safety of motor vehicles available in the market,” read an official statement.

This programme will allow vehicles manufacturers to voluntarily submit their vehicles for testing as per the Automotive Industry Standard 197. The vehicle will then be subjected to standard tests following which the authorities will allocate star ratings which will be a guide to people – both adults and kids – riding the vehicle.

It will allow prospective customers to refer to the vehicles safety rating and accordingly purchase a model that suits their safety requirement.

Vehicles will be rated for both Adult Occupant Protection (AOP) and Child Occupant Protection (COP) that will allow prospective buyers to compare between models easily.

From a broader perspective, the Bharat New Car Assessment Programme will add a new dimension to passenger vehicles that has been by and large neglected in the public consciousness – safety. It will not only provide buyers critical safety information, but also raise consciousness on this vital but hitherto neglected aspect.

On a long-term basis, this can make Indian roads safer. It would also raise the demand for safety among buyers and nudge manufacturers to raise standards to cater to a discerning market.

Moreover, safer Indian vehicles can also find more ready buyers in the export market.