Bharat NCAP vehicle crash test program launched; details out

M1 category vehicles that can carry up to 8 passengers, in addition to the driver and gross weight not exceeding 3.5 tonnes will qualify for this program.

The government of India has launched the Bharat New Car Assessment Program (BNCAP). The new vehicle safety program will be rolled out on October 1, 2023.

The Bharat NCAP crash test program is based on the Automotive Industry Standard AIS 197. Vehicles under the M1 category that can carry up to 8 passengers, in addition to the driver and gross weight not exceeding 3.5 tonnes will qualify for this program. It will also cover imported cars, CNG and electric vehicles.

Manufacturers will have to nominate a model to be tested under BNCAP. The base variant of the model will be selected through random sampling from the manufacturing facility or dealership. The vehicle will then be sent to the testing centre by the manufacturer.

The vehicle will be crash tested in the presence of representatives of the car manufacturer and the BNCAP team. The test results will be compiled and shared with the manufacturer and will be published following standing committee approval.

BNCAP will evaluate vehicles for adult and child occupant protection as well as safety assist technologies. The vehicles will undergo a frontal impact test, side impact test and pole side impact test at 64 km/h.

The vehicles will be awarded 1-5 stars depending on the test results. The Central Institute for Road Transport (CIRL) will issue a certificate and each vehicle will get a Bharat NCAP logo and sticker with its BNCAP rating.