India’s automotive safety landscape is set for a major upgrade as Bharat NCAP (New Car Assessment Program) prepares to integrate Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS) testing into its evaluations.
Launched in October 2023, Bharat NCAP was a landmark initiative aimed at enhancing vehicle safety in India. Now, with Bharat NCAP 2.0, the focus will expand beyond crashworthiness to assess autonomous safety technologies, aligning Indian standards with global benchmarks.
A Step Towards Smarter, Safer Cars
The announcement was made by Ujjwala Karle, Deputy Director & Head Technology Group & Digital Twin Lab, ARAI, during the second edition of the ADAS Show in Bengaluru. She confirmed that the Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI) is working on the upgraded Bharat NCAP 2.0, which will evaluate ADAS capabilities in vehicles.
The key goal is to ensure that ADAS features are tailored for Indian road conditions, where unique challenges such as mixed traffic, erratic driving behavior, and diverse road infrastructure need special attention. This initiative will further encourage automakers to integrate ADAS technologies while optimizing them for Indian consumers.
Bharat NCAP 2.0: What’s New?
While Bharat NCAP currently tests structural crashworthiness, the new version will assess how well ADAS features perform in real-world Indian traffic conditions.
These features include:
Adaptive Cruise Control – Adjusts speed based on surrounding traffic.
Lane-Keeping Assist – Helps drivers stay within their lane.
Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) – Detects obstacles and applies brakes automatically.
Collision Avoidance Assist – Prevents potential accidents.
Several vehicles, including the Tata Curvv, Mahindra XEV 9e, and BE 6, have already received 5-star safety ratings under the existing Bharat NCAP standards, and many of them come equipped with ADAS.
When Will Bharat NCAP 2.0 Be Implemented?
ARAI is setting up a dedicated ADAS testing ground at an 18-acre facility near Pune to facilitate these advanced evaluations. While an official timeline has not been announced, reports suggest that Bharat NCAP 2.0 could go live by 2027.
The inclusion of ADAS testing in Bharat NCAP ratings will be a significant milestone in improving road safety, encouraging automakers to prioritize cutting-edge safety technologies, and ultimately making Indian roads safer for everyone. As more automakers invest in ADAS-equipped vehicles, this initiative will set a new benchmark for safety standards in the country.
A Big Leap for Vehicle Safety in India
The introduction of Bharat NCAP 2.0 marks a significant step forward in India's commitment to vehicle safety and technological advancement. With ADAS features becoming standard in premium models, this initiative will ensure that mass-market vehicles also meet high safety expectations.
For car buyers, Bharat NCAP’s ADAS ratings will provide a clearer picture of a vehicle’s safety beyond crash performance, influencing more informed purchasing decisions. Meanwhile, for automakers, these assessments will drive innovation and push the industry towards global safety benchmarks.
With Bharat NCAP 2.0 expected to launch by 2027, the Indian automotive landscape is heading towards a future where safety is as crucial as performance and comfort. Stay tuned for more updates as India moves towards safer, tech-driven mobility!
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