India is aggressively fortifying the four crucial pillars of automotive testing: infrastructure, safety standards, a new car assessment program, and skilled workforce development, to align with global benchmarks and propel the nation's automotive industry forward.
Upgrading Testing Infrastructure
Recognizing the critical need for advanced testing facilities, the Indian government has launched initiatives such as the National Automotive Testing and R&D Infrastructure Project (NATRiP). This project led to the establishment of world-class testing centers like the National Automotive Test Tracks (NATRAX) in Indore, Madhya Pradesh. NATRAX features Asia's longest high-speed test track, capable of testing vehicles at speeds up to 250 kmph, and includes various specialized tracks for dynamic platform testing, braking, gradient, fatigue, and off-road simulations. These facilities aim to reduce the reliance on overseas testing centers, saving domestic manufacturers time and money.
Furthermore, existing testing facilities such as the Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI) in Pune and the International Centre for Automotive Technology (ICAT) in Manesar are being upgraded. These upgrades, supported by government schemes like the PM E-Drive Scheme with a budget of ₹780 crores, focus on enhancing testing capabilities for new-age technologies, including electric vehicles (EVs) and advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS). The upgrades also address concerns regarding electromagnetic interference and communication between vehicles with tech interfaces.
Elevating Safety Standards
India is progressively aligning its automotive industry standards (AIS) with global technical regulations, retaining adaptations for Indian-specific driving and environmental conditions. The Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI) periodically issues updated lists of AIS, mandated under the Central Motor Vehicle Rules (CMVR), covering constructional and safety requirements for diverse vehicle types and systems. These standards encompass a wide array of safety features, including lane departure warning systems (LDWS), emergency lane keeping systems (ELKS), event data recorders (EDR), and frontal collision protection. As of August 14, 2025, several new AIS standards have been published, showing a commitment to keeping pace with technological advancements and safety.
Introducing Bharat NCAP
The Bharat New Car Assessment Programme (Bharat NCAP), launched on August 22, 2023, is a significant step towards enhancing vehicle safety in India. Effective from October 1, 2023, this program assesses cars based on their performance in crash tests and assigns star ratings, similar to Global NCAP. Bharat NCAP evaluates vehicles on three key parameters: Adult Occupant Protection (AOP), Child Occupant Protection (COP), and the fitment of safety features. The crash tests include frontal offset impact at 64km/h, side impact at 50km/h, and side pole impact at 29km/h. Automakers can voluntarily nominate their vehicles for testing, and the base model of each variant is assessed. Bharat NCAP aims to empower consumers to make informed decisions by providing transparent, India-specific safety ratings.
Developing a Skilled Workforce
To support the growing automotive industry, India is investing in developing a skilled workforce through initiatives like the National Automotive Testing and R&D Infrastructure Project (NATRiP). NATRiP focuses on creating core competencies in automotive technology and facilitating the seamless integration of the Indian automotive industry with the world. These centers also conduct skill development and training programs to meet industry demands.
By strengthening these four pillars, India is not only enhancing vehicle safety and quality but also fostering innovation and competitiveness in its automotive industry. This comprehensive approach paves the way for India to become a global hub for automotive design, testing, and manufacturing.