KEY HIGHLIGHTS
- Bharat NCAP 2.0 testing is set to commence.
- ADAS is set to become part of the crash test protocols.
- ARAI is building an 18-acre ADAS test track on the outskirts of Pune.
- It is projected to launch by 2027.
Bharat NCAP, a safety assessment test conducted on Indian cars based on several parameters to determine their safety, is preparing to enter its next phase, as confirmed by Ujjwala Karle, Deputy Director and Head of ARAI's Technology Group. A key highlight of her statement is that ADAS will play a significant role in the 2.0 protocol for the crash test program. Let's understand this news better below and also take a look at the current status of Bharat NCAP. Also, join our 91Wheels Whatsapp Channel to stay updated on the latest automotive news.
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Bharat NCAP 2.0
The Bharat NCAP is an independent body, launched on October 1, 2023, by Nitin Gadkari, the Minister of Road Transport and Highways of India. This body works similarly to Global NCAP, Australasian NCAP, and Euro NCAP, evaluating vehicles based on several crash test parameters to determine how safe they are to travel in, both from an adult and child perspective. Currently, the Head of the Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI), Ujjwala Karle, has confirmed that they have commenced work on its second version and plan to launch it by 2027.
To add more, in Bharat NCAP 2.0, ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance System) will play a huge role. Ujjwala Karle mentioned that ADAS testing and feature manufacturing must be done locally. She also stated that there are challenges in adapting these features for Indian use cases. "We don't want these systems to exist merely for the sake of availability, only to be switched off when actually needed. Instead, they should be fine-tuned to suit Indian driving conditions and user expectations," said the Head of ARAI.
On the outskirts of Pune, an 18-acre plot is being converted into an ADAS test track. According to a media report, nine task forces have been set up to make Bharat NCAP more Indian and locally relevant, as it is heavily inspired by the Global NCAP. Currently, only ESP (Electronic Stab.ility Program) is required for vehicles to qualify for the crash test. However, the AIS 185 standard will later be added to include the category of 'vulnerable road users'.
Verdict
ADAS has become the talk of the town, as customers are becoming increasingly curious about its features. Almost every new car launching in India with a price tag above Rs 10 lakh now offers it. Take the example of the Honda Amaze 3rd gen - it is the most affordable vehicle currently offering ADAS at just Rs 9.99 lakh. That variant is being chosen by a lot of people, largely due to its ADAS features. Now, even Bharat NCAP is taking it seriously, adding it to their test protocols, and promising to localize its manufacturing. Let's see how it goes.
