India Plans Major Upgrade for Vehicle Testing Agencies to Speed Up Certifications and Embrace New Technologies

India is set to significantly upgrade its vehicle testing agencies to streamline the certification process and adapt to the rapid evolution of automotive technologies. Officials have highlighted the growing need for enhanced testing facilities as vehicles increasingly incorporate complex electronics and digital systems. Currently, obtaining certification for a new vehicle can take up to a year, a timeline the government aims to drastically reduce.

The focus is not only on speed but also on making the testing more robust. A senior official noted that electronics now constitute between 15-35% of a car's value, up from less than 10% a decade ago, necessitating specialized vetting. Currently, only the International Centre for Automotive Technology (ICAT) in Manesar offers such specialized vetting. The proposed upgrades will equip agencies to test for potential electromagnetic interference, a critical concern with multiple interconnected technologies, and to ensure safe communication between vehicles, especially as autonomous driving becomes more common.

These enhancements will be funded under the ₹780 crore PM E-DRIVE Scheme. Key testing centers in Manesar, Indore, and Chennai are slated for modernization to meet these advanced requirements.

Impact: This upgrade is expected to accelerate the launch of new vehicle models, particularly those with advanced electronics and autonomous features, potentially boosting sales and innovation in the Indian automotive sector. Faster certification can reduce development costs and time-to-market for manufacturers. It also aims to improve vehicle safety standards by ensuring compliance with new technological demands. Impact rating: 8/10.

Difficult Terms: * **New-age technologies**: Refers to the latest advancements in vehicle technology, including sophisticated electronics, sensors, connectivity, artificial intelligence, and advanced driver-assistance systems. * **Turnaround time**: The total time taken from the initiation of a process (like vehicle certification application) to its completion. * **Electromagnetic interference (EMI)**: Disruption of an electronic device's performance by an electromagnetic field. In vehicles, this could affect critical safety systems. * **Autonomous cars**: Vehicles capable of sensing their environment and operating without human involvement. * **PM E-DRIVE Scheme**: A government initiative providing funds for upgrading automotive testing infrastructure and supporting the transition to new technologies. * **International Centre for Automotive Technology (ICAT)**: A government-backed institution that provides testing, validation, and certification services for the automotive industry.