Road ministry plans to test and validate star ratings for cars

On Wednesday, Nitin Gadkari told the media that India’s road transport ministry is operating on a proposal to formulate a plan to test and validate star ratings of cars under the Bharat New Car Assessment Programme (BNCAP). It aims to encourage automakers to voluntarily take part in the safety testing assessment programme and include higher safety levels in new car models concerning the recognised parameters, which comprise structural safety, the safety of adult and child occupants, and the provision of active and passive safety assist technologies. The planned assessment will allocate ratings from 1 to 5 stars. The ministry, through a notification, has laid out additional safety components for motor vehicles used for carrying passengers, including not more than eight seats, produced on and after 1 July 2019. The additional safety features comprise the need for an airbag for the driver, seat belt reminder, manual override, system alert system, and vehicle reverse gear sensor. Image Source Also read: Tamil Nadu minister urges Nitin Gadkari to expedite NHAI projects