India to Launch Bharat NCAP 2 in October 2027 to Assess Full Vehicle Safety Chain

India will launch Bharat NCAP 2 in October 2027 to assess the entire vehicle safety chain, Union Minister Nitin Gadkari announced Thursday, aiming to reduce the country's high road accident and fatality rates. The program expands on the existing Bharat NCAP, launched in 2023, which crash-tests passenger cars and rates them one to five stars. Gadkari noted India records around five lakh accidents and 1.80 lakh deaths annually, with most victims aged 18-36. The government also plans to introduce a graded point system for driving licences, where repeated safety violations could lead to suspension or cancellation, while responsible drivers would receive incentives from insurance companies and other benefits.