India Set to Unveil Safety Rating System for Heavy Vehicles: Nitin Gadkari
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Synopsis
The Indian government is set to introduce a safety assessment rating system for trucks and commercial vehicles, as announced by Minister Nitin Gadkari. This initiative aims to improve road safety and vehicle standards, alongside regulations for e-rickshaws and truck driver working hours.
Key Takeaways
- New safety assessment rating for trucks and heavy vehicles.
- Comparison with BNCAP for passenger cars.
- Focus on e-rickshaw safety and employment.
- Legislation to regulate truck driver working hours.
- Establishment of 32 driving institutes across India.
New Delhi, April 24 (NationPress) In a significant move aimed at enhancing road safety, the Central government is gearing up to launch a safety assessment rating system for trucks and commercial vehicles, as announced by Union Minister of Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari on Thursday.
This initiative mirrors the Bharat New Car Assessment Programme (BNCAP) for passenger vehicles, with the objective of motivating manufacturers to improve the safety and construction quality of heavy vehicles.
“The government is also developing a comparable safety assessment and standardization system for battery-powered e-rickshaws, which frequently encounter safety issues,” the Union Minister stated during the commencement of a two-day workshop focused on vehicle and fleet safety.
“Enhancing the safety of e-rickshaws will not only benefit users but will also help create additional employment opportunities within the sector,” he added.
Emphasizing the critical nature of such initiatives, the Minister pointed out that India records the highest number of fatal road accidents globally, with approximately 4.8 lakh accidents and 1.8 lakh fatalities each year.
He asserted that improving vehicle safety, developing safer highways, and promoting electric vehicles are top priorities for the government.
To tackle driver fatigue and enhance working conditions, Gadkari mentioned that the ministry is formulating a new law to regulate working hours for truck drivers.
Additionally, he revealed plans to establish 32 advanced driving institutes throughout India.
“The Ministry of Roadways is also working on legislation to define the working hours for truck drivers... currently, they operate for 13-14 hours daily. As the nation faces a shortage of truck drivers, the government is also planning to set up 32 state-of-the-art driving institutes across the country,” Gadkari remarked.
In a positive development, air conditioning in truck driver cabins has already been mandated, along with the requirement for Advanced Driver-Assistance Systems (ADAS) in commercial vehicles.
“The ministry has made air conditioning for driver compartments mandatory. The implementation of Advanced Driver-Assistance Systems (ADAS) to aid drivers has also been mandated,” the minister concluded.
