Anticipated Safety Evaluation Grading for Heavy-Duty Vehicles, Including Trucks, on Bharat NCAP Routes: Gadkari
It's full steam ahead for the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways in India! They're planning to launch a safety assessment rating system for trucks and heavy commercial vehicles, inspired by the Bharat NCAP (New Car Assessment Programme) - our very own crash testing program.
Union Minister Nitin Gadkari announced this at an event organized by the New Car Assessment Program (GNCAP) and the Institute of Road Traffic Education (IRTE). The goal? Encourage manufacturers to step up their game, focusing on improving vehicle quality and safety.
Speaking of quality, the government is also working on standards and safety assessment systems for battery-operated e-rickshaws, which face safety issues. Improving safety will boost their quality, leading to more job opportunities.
You might be wondering, what's the big deal about safety? Well, let me fill you in: in 2023, Minister Gadkari launched the Bharat NCAP, designed to elevate road safety standards for motor vehicles up to 3.5 tonnes. And with good reason - India ranks top in having the highest number of fatal road accidents. Every year, approximately 4.8 lakh road accidents occur, resulting in 1.8 lakh fatalities.
So, it's not just about vehicles - the government's top priority is road safety, expanding safe highways, and promoting vehicle safety. They're also gunning for bolstering electric vehicles (EVs)!
That's not all, folks! The government is also aiming to reduce logistics costs from the current 14-16% to just 9% in the coming years. And, watch out truck drivers, there's a new law in the works to nail down working hours for you, as you currently drive for 13-14 hours a day.
This safety initiative aims to reduce road accidents, create a safer driving environment, promote better working conditions for drivers, and improve the overall quality of commercial vehicles in India. It's all part of the government's broader goal to reduce road accidents and support economic growth via enhanced logistics. Get ready to roll with safety front and center! 🚚🚙🚀💪
[1] Bharat NCAP: https://ncapindia.com/bharat-new-vehicle-safety-program-qualitative-assessment.html[2] India to Introduce Safety Ratings for Trucks: https://www.livemint.com/autos-events/news/india-to-introduce-safety-ratings-for-trucks-11613868697668.html[3] India to Introduce Safety Assessment Rating System for Trucks: https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-india-59296500[4] Government plans to introduce safety ratings for big cars, trucks: https://auto.economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/industry/government-plans-to-introduce-safety-ratings-for-big-cars-trucks/78298763[5] India to launch truck safety ratings: https://www.constructionweekonline.in/news/india-to-launch-truck-safety-ratings-53999/
[1] The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways in India is gearing up to launch a safety assessment rating system for trucks and heavy commercial vehicles, reminiscent of the Bharat NCAP (New Car Assessment Programme), which serves as India's own crash testing program.
[2] Union Minister Nitin Gadkari, in a recent address, emphasized the importance of this initiative, as it encourages automotive manufacturers to prioritize vehicle quality and safety.
[3] Besides prioritizing trucks, the government is also developing standards and safety assessment systems for battery-operated e-rickshaws, addressing their safety issues and enhancing job opportunities within the transportation industry.
[4] In 2023, Minister Gadkari launched the Bharat NCAP, focusing on enhancing road safety standards for motor vehicles up to 3.5 tonnes, given India's tragic ranking among nations with the highest number of fatal road accidents.
[5] To combat these figures, the government is not only focusing on vehicles but is also expanding safe highways and advocating for improved vehicle safety. They're also pushing for electric vehicles (EVs) to help curb logistics costs and promote a cleaner industry.
[6] Furthermore, the government is working on legislation to limit truck drivers' working hours, aiming to prevent fatigue-related accidents and improve general road safety.
