Thiruvananthapuram: The Central Government is set to mandate crash tests for all buses, with the new regulation coming into effect from August. Going forward, only those models that have passed crash tests will be eligible for registration. This rule applies to all vehicles designed to carry 14 or more passengers, including the driver.

Buses must now be built in compliance with the Bus Body Code introduced by the Union Ministry of Road Transport and Highways in 2017. Although the code was introduced years ago, adherence to it has not been mandatory until now. Previously, manufacturers could register new buses by simply submitting an affidavit declaring that their models met the required standards.

Under the revised rules, a central safety certificate will now be mandatory, not only for the model but also for the manufacturing centre itself.

Only manufacturers accredited by the government will be allowed to build new buses. These models will undergo rigorous safety testing at the Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI) facility in Pune. Approval will be granted only after evaluating how the bus structure performs in a simulated crash scenario.

An investigation by the Motor Vehicles Department (MVD) has revealed that most manufacturers have yet to obtain official crash-test approval for their existing models.

Officials say the decision aims to shift the focus of inspections from mere measurements to comprehensive safety standards. Until now, registration inspections primarily focused on vehicle dimensions. The new system will assess the quality of construction components and overall manufacturing standards.

What is crash test?

As part of the test, evaluators will assess the extent of damage sustained by the bus’s outer frame during a simulated crash. The damage must fall within a specified safety threshold, and the frame must demonstrate the ability to absorb and withstand collision impact to ensure passenger safety.