Inspired by Bharat NCAP, new truck safety assessment system aims to reduce road fatalities and improve vehicle quality; battery-operated e-rickshaws and driver welfare also in focus.
In a landmark move aimed at bolstering road safety and vehicle standards in India, the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways has announced plans to launch a safety assessment rating system for trucks and heavy commercial vehicles, modeled on the Bharat New Car Assessment Program (BNCAP).
The initiative, led by Union Minister Nitin Gadkari, is set to reshape the safety landscape of India’s transport ecosystem.
Speaking at the inauguration of a two-day workshop on Vehicle and Fleet Safety, jointly organized by Global NCAP (GNCAP) and the Institute of Road Traffic Education (IRTE), Mr. Gadkari emphasized that the new safety ratings will incentivize manufacturers to prioritize quality and safety in vehicle production.
“The idea is to encourage manufacturers to improve the production quality, making vehicles more safe,” said Gadkari. “The government is also developing safety standards for battery-operated e-rickshaws, which are currently plagued by safety issues. Enhancing their quality will also lead to greater employment opportunities.”
India’s Road Safety Challenge
India continues to grapple with a severe road safety crisis, reporting 4.8 lakh road accidents annually, resulting in approximately 1.8 lakh fatalities—the highest in the world. The new initiatives underscore the government’s commitment to reversing this trend by focusing on vehicle safety, safe infrastructure, and regulatory reforms.
Comprehensive Strategy for Safer Roads
The ministry is also addressing driver welfare and logistics efficiency:
Driver Regulations: A new law is in the works to regulate truck drivers’ working hours, currently averaging 13–14 hours a day.
Skill Development: The government will establish 32 state-of-the-art driver training institutes across India.
Vehicle Enhancements: Air-conditioning in truck cabins is now mandatory, and Advanced Driver-Assistance Systems (ADAS) are being made compulsory to support safer driving.
Mr. Gadkari also highlighted efforts to reduce logistics costs from the current 14–16% to 9% over the next few years, noting the pivotal role of the automobile sector in India’s economic growth.
Road Safety Begins Young
In a proactive measure to cultivate a culture of safety from an early age, the government has introduced road safety education into the school curriculum for classes 1 through 12, beginning this academic year. To complement this, a road safety anthem sung by acclaimed artist Shankar Mahadevan will be translated into 22 languages to spread awareness nationwide.
