Relevance: Polity + Transport Safety (GS-2/GS-3) • Source: MoRTH, Indian Express
The News
The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways has released a revised draft of Bharat NCAP 2.0 to strengthen car safety ratings in India. The draft expands safety tests, updates scoring, and adds new assessment areas for both vehicles and vulnerable road users.
What is the New Car Assessment Programme?
Bharat NCAP is a voluntary safety rating system that assigns 1–5 stars to cars based on crash tests and safety features. It aims to:
- Improve vehicle crashworthiness
- Encourage safer car design for the Indian market
- Enable consumers to make informed choices
Ratings are issued by the Central Institute of Road Transport (CIRT), Pune.
Key Proposed Changes in Bharat NCAP 2.0
| Area | What’s New |
|---|---|
| Expanded assessments | 5 components: Safe Driving (10%), Accident Avoidance (10%), Crash Protection (55%), Vulnerable Road User Protection (20%), Post-Crash Safety (5%) |
| More crash tests | Includes deformable barrier tests at higher speeds (64 km/h frontal, 50 km/h lateral, 32 km/h pole impact, 29 km/h oblique) |
| Vulnerable users | New vertical with 20% weightage—focus on pedestrians and cyclists |
| Revised scoring | Higher thresholds for 3-star and 5-star categories; AOP (Adult Occupant Protection) must contribute at least 50% of crash protection score |
UPSC Prelims Practice Question
Q. Consider the following statements about Bharat NCAP:
1. It is mandatory for all new vehicles sold in India.
2. It awards safety ratings based on crash tests and safety assist technologies.
3. The ratings are issued by the Central Institute of Road Transport.
Which of the above are correct?
(a) 1 and 2
(b) 2 and 3
(c) 1 and 3
(d) 1, 2 and 3
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