New Delhi: The Union Minister of Road Transport & Highways, Nitin Gadkari on Tuesday launched India’s very own car safety testing programme, the Bharat CAP (New Car Assessment Programme).
Under BNCAP, Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) will voluntarily submit car models for safety assessments, including various tests to rate Adult Occupation Protection (AOP) and Child Occupant Protection (COP). During the launch event in New Delhi, Gadkari mentioned that over 30 car models have already been lined up by several OEMs for safety evaluations.
Bharat NCAP will take effect from October 1, 2023, and is expected foster healthy competition among OEMs to enhance their adhered safety standards.
Maruti Suzuki has already confirmed its intent to allocate at least three models for BNCAP testing. It’s likely that the carmaker will select models such as the newly-launched Fronx, Jimny, and the Brezza SUV, Times of India reported.
Hyundai, which recently entered the micro SUV segment recently with the Exter, is expected to align the car for testing under the programme.
While the Global NCAP, under which the Indian cars were being tested previously, isn’t a standard safety assessment programme for Indian vehicles, the newly introduced Bharat NCAP will serve as a local ground for the OEMs to showcase their safety prowess. The results of the BNCAP would be more relatable for the growing quality-centric Indian customers.
