Crash test centres get more time

With an eye on making crash test for cars mandatory, the government has extended the deadline for setting up crash testing facilities across the country by three years to end-2017.

Stringent safety norms such as dual airbags and anti-lock braking system (ABS) are to be enforced in all cars launched after October 2017.

"A lot of work has already been done at NATRiP. The extension is not really for all the facilities but for some where there have been delays," said a senior government official at ministry of road transport and highways. "To be sure though, this has to be the last extension. Three years is a lot of time."

The automotive industry, however, is not hopeful of a timely roll out. There is a waiting period to import many machines needed for the tests, and some equipment has not even been ordered yet.

"Crash tests are done on advanced technical dummies. Not many (companies) make them," said an R&D official at a top car company.

"You have to place an order 2 years in advance for timely deliver, which means orders need to be placed now."

This is just one aspect that puts a question mark on timely rollout, he said, adding "There are many more."

These nor ms have been delayed for long because of inadequate crash testing facilities in India.

The ambitious ₹ 1,718-crore NATRiP was started in 2006. The deadline was extended to 2014 due to delays, and the bill rose over ₹ 2,280 crore.

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