Bharat new car assessment programme introduced for safety rating of passenger cars and empowers consumers to take informed decisions- (Press Information Bureau) (14 Dec 2023)

MANU/PIBU/3831/2023

Motor Vehicles

Ministry of Road Transport and Highways vide G.S.R. 698(E) dated 27th September, 2023 has inserted a new rule 126E in CMVR (Central Motor Vehicles Rules), 1989 regarding the Bharat New Car Assessment Program (BNCAP). The following has been prescribed: -

"126E. Bharat new car assessment programme.-

(1)The car assessment programme under this rule shall be applicable on the type approved vehicles of category M1, manufactured or imported in the country on or after the 1st day of October, 2023. Further, BNCAP shall be a voluntary program monitored by the Agency.

On and from the 1st day of October 2023, the manufacturer or importer of motor vehicles shall submit an application in FORM 70A, to the designated agency, designated by the Central Government to get their motor vehicle examined and assessed for star rating in accordance with AIS:197.

The cost of the motor vehicle for the purpose of assessment for star rating and the cost of such assessment shall be borne by the respective manufacturer or importer.

The motor vehicles for the purpose of assessment shall be randomly selected by the designated agency, from the premises of the manufacturer, importer, or authorised dealer of the manufacturer or importer, in accordance with AIS-197.

The designated agency shall select any of the testing agency, referred to in rule 126, for the assessment of the vehicles selected in sub-rule (2).

The manufacturer or importer shall send the selected vehicles to the testing agency selected under sub-rule (4).

The testing agency shall evaluate the vehicles in accordance with AIS-197 and submit the assessment report to the designated agency in FORM 70B.

On examination and approval of the assessment report, the star rating of the vehicle shall be uploaded on the designated portal by the designated agency:

Nothing in this rule shall apply to a vehicle exempted under rule 126.".

The programme introduces the concept of safety rating of passenger cars and empowers consumers to take informed decisions. It enhances export worthiness of the cars produced by OEMs in the country. Additionally, the programme also encourages manufacturers to provide advanced safety technologies to earn higher ratings.

Tags : CAR ASSESSMENT PROGRAMME SAFETY RATING