NEW DELHI, 24th April 2025: The Indian government is enhancing safety regulations to include under-represented sectors of the automotive industry, such as e-rickshaws and trucks, by implementing a safety assessment rating system similar to the Bharat New Car Assessment Programme (Bharat NCAP).
Nitin Gadkari, Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways, made the announcement during a workshop co-hosted by Global NCAP (GNCAP) and the Institute of Road Traffic Education.
Speaking at the workshop,, Gadkari emphasised the importance of original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) raising safety standards by improving product quality.
He also stated that prioritising e-rickshaw safety would raise product standards while increasing job opportunities.
With approximately 480,000 accidents and 180,000 fatalities per year, Gadkari emphasised that road safety is the government’s top priority, along with the development of safer highways and the promotion of electric vehicles.
Furthermore, he mentioned the government’s goal of reducing logistics costs from 14-16% to 9% in the coming years, which is critical for strengthening the automobile sector’s role in India’s economic development.
Addressing truck drivers’ concerns, Gadkari revealed that a new law is being drafted to regulate their working hours, as the current practice of 13-14 hour shifts is unsustainable.
The ministry also intends to establish 32 advanced driving training institutes across India and has mandated the installation of air conditioning in truck drivers’ cabins.
