India is taking a significant leap in road safety by extending Bharat NCAP (New Car Assessment Program) to include commercial vehicles like trucks and e-rickshaws. Here’s what it means for the future of Indian transportation.
The Indian automobile industry is undergoing a safety revolution in 2025. After implementing Bharat NCAP crash safety standards for passenger cars, the government is now preparing to bring trucks and e-rickshaws under the same umbrella. This progressive step aims to curb road accidents, improve vehicle safety, and promote awareness in commercial segments that have long operated with minimal oversight.
Why Bharat NCAP Matters
The Bharat NCAP program, launched in 2023, rates cars based on their crash safety performance, encouraging manufacturers to build safer vehicles. Ratings range from 1 to 5 stars and are determined through crash tests and safety feature assessments.
Extending these standards to commercial vehicles is vital because:
- Trucks account for over 25% of fatal road accidents in India.
- E-rickshaws, being widely used in urban and rural India, often lack basic safety standards.
- Ratings promote transparency and push OEMs to meet global safety benchmarks.
What Changes in 2025?
The updated Bharat NCAP 2025 will now include two major commercial segments:
Heavy Trucks and LCVs
- Trucks will be rated based on frontal crash, rollover, and structural integrity tests.
- Additional factors include brake performance, blind-spot visibility, driver protection features, and ADAS integration (Advanced Driver Assistance Systems).
- Manufacturers will be required to publish safety ratings that are easily accessible to fleet buyers and logistics companies.
E-Rickshaws and Electric Three-Wheelers
- These vehicles will be tested for body strength, passenger protection, battery safety, and stability during maneuvers.
- Many budget e-rickshaws currently lack seat belts or crash bars—ratings will expose these deficiencies and encourage safer designs.
- Urban aggregators and public transport contracts may prioritize only rated e-rickshaws, enhancing commuter safety.
Impact on the Auto Industry
Manufacturers:
- OEMs (Original Equipment Manufacturers) will need to invest in design upgrades, testing, and certifications.
- Indian truck manufacturers like Tata Motors, Ashok Leyland, and Mahindra are expected to lead with early Bharat NCAP-compliant models.
Fleet Operators:
- Logistics and transport businesses will gain access to more data-driven vehicle choices.
- Rated trucks may reduce insurance premiums and be eligible for government incentives.
Drivers & Passengers:
- Increased safety features like reinforced cabins, speed limiters, seatbelts, and crash bars will significantly reduce fatalities.
- For e-rickshaw drivers, access to safer, better-built vehicles will improve long-term livelihood and passenger trust.
How Will Testing Work?
The Bharat NCAP 2025 for trucks and e-rickshaws will follow a structured protocol:
| Test Type | Vehicle Segment | Evaluation Focus |
|---|---|---|
| Frontal Crash Test | Trucks & E-Rickshaws | Driver/passenger injury levels, cabin deformation |
| Side Impact Test | Trucks | Structural strength, airbag deployment |
| Battery Safety Test | E-Rickshaws | Battery explosion/fire risks under stress |
| Brake Test | Both | Stopping distance, load braking capability |
| Visibility & Mirrors | Trucks | Blind spot detection, side mirror coverage |
The ratings will be displayed on a 1 to 5-star scale, similar to passenger cars, and published publicly for every tested vehicle.
Why It Matters in 2025
In 2025, India’s roads are witnessing a major surge in both freight transportation and last-mile electric mobility. With rising traffic and urban congestion, it’s essential that commercial vehicles adhere to global safety norms.
Moreover, India is aiming for zero road fatalities by 2047, and these NCAP extensions are key milestones in achieving that goal.
Challenges Ahead
- Cost Implications: Upgrading safety features may increase vehicle prices. This could be a concern for small fleet owners and e-rickshaw drivers.
- Infrastructure for Testing: India needs more certified crash test labs to handle the volume of commercial vehicle assessments.
- Enforcement: Ensuring compliance and preventing the sale of unrated vehicles in rural markets will be crucial.
Still, the long-term benefits far outweigh the hurdles. Better safety means lower accident-related losses, more trust in public transport, and a stronger global reputation for Indian automakers.
Government Support & Timeline
- The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) is expected to officially roll out Bharat NCAP for CVs by Q3 2025.
- Manufacturers will be given a transition period of 6–12 months.
- Incentives such as subsidies for rated vehicles and compliance-linked tax benefits may be introduced to ease adoption.
Final Thoughts
The decision to include trucks and e-rickshaws under Bharat NCAP is a long-awaited and welcome move. It not only boosts safety awareness but also nudges India closer to global standards. For fleet owners, drivers, and passengers alike, 2025 will mark the beginning of a safer journey on Indian roads.
FAQs
Q1. What is Bharat NCAP?
Bharat NCAP is India’s vehicle safety rating system that evaluates vehicles based on crash performance and safety features.
Q2. Will Bharat NCAP ratings be mandatory for trucks and e-rickshaws?
Yes, by late 2025, the government plans to make safety ratings mandatory for new models in these segments
Q3. How are e-rickshaws tested for safety?
They undergo tests for body strength, stability, passenger protection, and battery safety under various conditions.
Q4. What safety features will trucks need under Bharat NCAP?
Mandatory features will include ABS, seatbelts, reinforced cabins, blind-spot mirrors, and possibly ADAS systems.
Q5. What are the benefits of Bharat NCAP for fleet owners?
Rated vehicles often have lower insurance premiums, better resale value, and reduced risk of fatal accidents, improving ROI.