Bharat NCAP 2.0

What is the News?

The Ministry of Road Transport & Highways released the draft of Bharat NCAP 2.0, proposing tougher car-safety testing norms and a new star-rating system. It is open for public feedback before final implementation.

➤ Key Points

1. New 5-Pillar Safety Scoring System

• Crash Protection – 55%

• Vulnerable Road User (Pedestrian/Two-wheeler) Safety – 20%

• Safe Driving – 10%

• Accident Avoidance – 10%

• Post-Crash Safety – 5%

2. Expanded Crash Tests

Vehicles will be tested on five crash scenarios:

1. 64 km/h offset frontal impact

2. 50 km/h full-width frontal impact

3. 50 km/h side impact (mobile barrier)

4. 32 km/h pole side impact

5. 50 km/h rear impact

3. Tougher Star Rating Rules

• 5-star rating requires minimum 70 points (later 80 points from 2029).

• Failing any one pillar = no 5-star rating.

• More strict than the current Bharat NCAP (2023).

4. Mandatory Safety Features

• Electronic Stability Control (ESC)

• Curtain Airbags

• Other advanced safety features encouraged.

➤ Timeline

• Current Bharat NCAP norms valid till 30 September 2027.

• Bharat NCAP 2.0 proposed to begin from October 2027.

➤ Why Important?

• Improves car crash safety in India.

• Protects pedestrians, cyclists & two-wheelers (majority of accident victims).

• Aligns Indian safety norms with global programmes like Euro NCAP.

• Encourages manufacturers to offer safer vehicles.

➤ Impact

For Consumers:

• Clearer and more holistic safety ratings.

• Safer cars with mandatory modern features.

For Industry:

• Requires redesigns and advanced safety tech.

• Older 5-star cars might drop to 2-3 stars under new rules.

For Government & Policy:

• Helps reduce India’s road-accident deaths.

• Pushes India toward global safety standards.