In a significant move to enhance road safety, the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways is set to introduce a safety assessment rating system for trucks and other heavy vehicles. Similar to the star ratings used for passenger cars, this initiative aims to push manufacturers toward designing safer commercial vehicles.
The proposed system will evaluate key safety features, including braking systems, cabin integrity, driver assistance technologies, and pedestrian safety. This development comes amid rising concerns about the role of heavy vehicles in road accidents across India.
Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari has been actively advocating for safer and more sustainable road transport infrastructure. With this new rating mechanism, the government hopes to reduce fatalities and improve the overall safety culture in the commercial vehicle segment.
The implementation details and timeline for rollout are expected soon, with trials already in progress. Once enforced, these ratings will likely become a key factor in procurement decisions for fleet operators and logistics companies.