Government to enforce crash test norms from October 2017

Passenger Safety is now the government’s watchword. Building on the same, a senior government official has declared that they will be strictly enforcing the previously decided crash test norms. It will be mandatory for all new cars from October 2017 while existing models get an upgrade deadline of October 2018. 

The criteria for the frontal crash tests will be at 56kmph while the norms set for side crash tests will be 50kmph.The intention is to align Indian safety regulations in line with global standards.

The Bharat New Vehicle Safety Assessment Programme, on the lines of New Car Assessment Programme in other countries, will be in charge of judging the cars according to these parameters. The board behind this project has adopted the best practices in safety as seen in countries like Japan, Europe and the US  and this seems to have helped develop the 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  and other testing agencies like the Automotive Research Association of India. 

The International Centre for Automotive Technology at Manesar would be conducting these tests once the required facilities are established. 

By bringing the dates forward on the project, the government has shown that it seriously means business. Now it is up to the car manufacturers in the country to fall in line. Most might argue that the time for the changes is short, but we think once the plan gets rolling things will fall into place. 

Source: EconomicTimes