India's Bharat NCAP 2.0 to Expand Safety Testing Beyond Cars, Says Gadkari

India will launch Bharat NCAP 2.0 in October 2027, expanding vehicle safety assessments to cover the entire crash chain, including crash avoidance, pedestrian safety, and post-crash care, Union minister Nitin Gadkari announced Thursday. The government will also implement a graded points system for driving licences, deducting points for traffic offences and potentially suspending licences, while rewarding responsible drivers with insurance incentives. Stricter bus certification requirements took effect September 1, 2025, requiring type-approval and inspection for registration. India records about 500,000 road accidents and 180,000 deaths annually, with 66% of fatalities among people aged 18-36. Gadkari urged automakers to support 1,600 planned driving training centres, noting only 24 are operational, and emphasized safety standards will not be compromised.