Mandatory crash tests from October 2017 to make Indian cars safer

NEW DELHI: The government is finally enforcing stringent crash test norms to be mandatory for all new cars from October 2017, while for upgrades of existing models, the deadline will be from October 2018. New minimum safety norms, including frontal and side crash tests, will apply to all cars —entry level, small and cheaper models. As per the new order, cars would be tested for frontal crash norms at 56 kmph, while for the side crash test, it will be at 50 kmph.

Both will meet the international test norms that will make the vehicles safer for occupants as well as drivers. According to vehicle experts, cars need certain necessary safety features to pass these tests. "Airbags and other much demanded safety apparatus would also be standardised in new cars. Though these are not mandatory, some structural changes, including structural compatibility, would be needed to meet the safety requirements," said a senior government official.



Some of the older models could be phased out as they may not have the required structural strength to meet the new stipulations. While it could not be ascertained from the government or car companies on the models that would be phased out, the official said that companies have more than two years to meet the structural strength.

Bharat New Vehicle Safety Assessment Programme (BNVSAP), on lines of New Car Assessment Programme (NCAP) in other countries, is likely to judge cars in line with developed market parameters. These crash test norms and assessment programmes have been adopted from the best practices across all entrymajor countries such as Japan, Europe and the US that have helped develop the most ideal mix for India.

It would be implemented in phases, according to plans that are being worked out by the National Automotive Testing and R&D Infrastructure Project (NATRiP) and other testing agencies like Automotive Research Association of India. iCAT at Manesar would be conducting these tests once the required facilities are established.

Industry veterans said they would not just increase cost of the vehicle but also lead to heavier cars on the roads. Many of the current models would need structural changes to improve road worthiness and every feature like the airbag, ABS or pre-tensioner seat belts would add to the cost of the car.