'Already received request to test 30 models,' says Gadkari at BNCAP launch

The Union Minister of Road Transport and Highways, Nitin Gadkari, at the launch of the Bharat NCAP said that the request to test 30 models has already been received. Hailing the BNCAP was a historic moment, he said that the automotive industry is the backbone of India becoming a US$ 5 trillion economy. 

The automotive industry contributes to export and growth. The growth rate is 9.9%, and the Industry size is 12.50 lakh crore. “This is the first time the size of the industry is Rs 12.50 lakh crore. Industry contribution in GDP manufacturing is 49%, exports constitute Rs 4.50 lakh crore, with the overall GDP contribution is 6.50%, and growth in the automobile industry is 20.25%, Gadkari stated.

“It is a mission for all of us to make the Indian automotive industry the number one manufacturing hub,” he added.

Stressing on the importance of ease of doing business, the Union Minister said that, “If we can give recognition to BNCAP with global standards, then it can be a great thing."

Further emphasising the advantages of global standards, he said that by a star rating, people are conscious of the higher star ratings. By star rating, people can understand product quality and create awareness in the mind of customers and at the same time, there is huge domestic demand for higher star rating, and that people are quality conscious. “People are conscious of safety, pollution. If any new alternatives are there, they are ready to accept this,” he said.

The parameters for the star rating include various factors like pedestrian-friendly design, the structural safety of the car, the provision of active and passive safety assist technologies and the safety of adult and child occupants.

The term 'Safety assist technologies' is also an evaluation area however seat belt reminders are mandatory for the front row only, this should have been mandated for the rear row too given its simplicity and low cost.