India to Launch Safety Rating for Trucks and Heavy Vehicles: A Game- Changer for Road Safety

In a historic bid to improve road safety, India will introduce a safety rating and assessment system for commercial vehicles and trucks, following the success of the Bharat New Car Assessment Programme (Bharat NCAP). Unveiled by Union Minister of Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari, this move will compel manufacturers to meet better safety and production standards, making commercial vehicles safer on Indian roads.

The new rating scheme will work on a similar principle as Bharat NCAP's star-rating for the passenger vehicle, motivating the industry to enhance the build quality and safety aspects in trucks and heavy vehicles. Gadkari emphasized that India suffers from an astounding 4.8 lakh road accidents every year, which kill 1.8 lakh people, and highlighting the necessity of such safety precautions at the earliest.

In addition to this, the government is also developing safety standards and an evaluation framework for battery-powered e-rickshaws, which at present are confronting serious safety issues. Enhancing e-rickshaw safety is likely to increase product quality and create employment opportunities.

To further mitigate road safety issues, the ministry is working to legislate truck drivers' work hours, as most of them drive for 13-14 hours a day, putting them at risk of falling asleep at the wheel. The government aims to introduce 32 state-of-the-art driving schools across the country to cater to the increasing need for skilled truck drivers.

Other safety features already made compulsory include air conditioning in cabins and the use of Advanced Driver-Assistance Systems (ADAS) to assist drivers.

This inclusive strategy is the reflection of the government's resolve to curb road accidents, increasing safe highways, encouraging electric vehicles, and reducing logistics expenses, thus strengthening India's economic development and road safety at the same time.

Source: The Economic Times, The Tribune, India Today, The Hans India