In a move to boost road safety in India, the Centre will introduce a safety rating system for passenger cars.
As per reports, the Central government has proposed a car assessment programme-Bharat NCAP wherein automobiles in India shall be accorded 'Star Ratings' based on their performance in crash tests
The measure is expected to encourage manufacturers to provide advanced safety features and will boost the "export worthiness" of vehicles produced in the country.
The road transport ministry said in a statement it will assign a rating of one to five stars for cars, based on tests assessing adult and child occupant protection as well as safety assist technologies.
Union Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari on Twitter shared about this new development on Twitter. Gadkari wrote, "I have now approved the Draft GSR Notification to introduce Bharat NCAP (New Car Assessment Program), wherein automobiles in India shall be accorded Star Ratings based upon their performance in Crash Tests".
The new system is slated to come into effect in April 2023.
India, which has some of the world's deadliest roads, has also proposed mandating that all passenger cars have six airbags, despite resistance from some carmakers who say it will increase the cost of vehicles. Current rules call for two airbags - one for the driver and one for the front passenger.
India is the world's fifth-largest car market, with annual sales of around 30 lakh units a year. Maruti Suzuki, majority-owned by Japan's Suzuki Motor, and Hyundai Motor are the biggest-selling automakers.