Bharat NCAP2 Will Test ADAS Integration and Localization

The Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI) is developing Bharat NCAP 2.0, an enhanced version of India’s car safety assessment program that will also test Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS) capabilities of the model. The initiative, aimed at adapting global safety standards to Indian driving conditions, was announced by Ujjwala Karle, Deputy Director & Head Technology Group & Digital Twin Lab, ARAI.

"We are working towards creating this new version, with work already in progress," Karle said at the second edition of the ADAS Show in Bengaluru.

The upcoming Bharat NCAP 2.0 aims to expand beyond crashworthiness by incorporating ADAS technologies, which are becoming increasingly relevant in modern vehicles.

ARAI, an autonomous body under the Ministry of Heavy Industries, plays a crucial role in vehicle testing, certification, and research. The Indian New Car Assessment Program (BNCAP), launched in August 2023, assigns star ratings to vehicles based on crash test performance, helping consumers make informed purchasing decisions. The program also enhances the export potential of vehicles manufactured by Indian original equipment manufacturers (OEMs).

Since its inception, BNCAP has tested 15 vehicles, primarily SUVs, including the Skoda Kylaq, Mahindra XUV 9e, Mahindra BE 6, Hyundai Tucson, Mahindra Thar Roxx, Tata Nexon, Tata Curvv, Citroën Basalt, and Tata Nexon EV.

ADAS in India: Bridging Innovation and Localization
When asked how Bharat NCAP 2.0 would differ from its predecessor, Karle explained that while the fundamental safety evaluation framework would remain, it would also look at the implementation of ADAS features, and how well they have been adapted to Indian road conditions.

ADAS technology, which includes features such as adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assistance, and emergency braking, is already present in several vehicles in India, primarily at Level 2 autonomy. However, Karle emphasized that these systems need to be tailored specifically for Indian driving environments to ensure practical usability.

"The key challenge lies in adapting these features for Indian use cases. The same function, when calibrated specifically for India, can have a real and meaningful impact on users," she said. "We don’t want these systems to exist merely for the sake of availability, only to be switched off when actually needed. Instead, they should be fine-tuned to suit Indian driving conditions and user expectations."

Regulations and Industry Collaboration
Karle noted that the functionalities contained in ADAS will evolve beyond existing regulatory frameworks and that the industry is already witnessing this shift. While India aligns with European regulations in many areas, she emphasized that mere compliance will not be enough for a successful market introduction.

"Despite this synergy with European regulations, compliance alone will not be sufficient. This is why thorough verification and validation must...ensure these systems work effectively in real-world conditions," she explained.

She further added that regulatory frameworks often follow technological advancements rather than precede them.

"It is very difficult to have the regulations first. Instead, regulations can come to the systems that are already established or in the phase of establishment. So I believe ADAS should be driven in an innovative way, and I will request all stakeholders to really come forward, put a few heads together, and figure out how well we can do," Karle said.

As India moves toward integrating ADAS in mainstream vehicle safety assessments, Bharat NCAP 2.0 represents a significant step in advancing automotive safety and technology. By focusing on localization and real-world applicability, ARAI’s efforts could pave the way for safer roads and improved consumer confidence in advanced vehicle technologies. With OEMs, regulators, and researchers collaborating with each other, the future of Indian automotive safety is poised for transformative progress.