Team-BHP - ARAI to conduct on-road tests of cars to prevent frauds

The Automotive Research Association of India is likely to conduct on-road tests of cars as a part of its testing procedure in addition to the existing tests. The organisation is taking this step in order to prevent car manufacturers from resorting to fraudulent practices, which will allow their vehicles to pass emission tests.

ARAI to conduct on-road tests of cars to prevent frauds-arai.jpg

Tests conducted in the US proved that Volkswagen diesel cars were fitted with a defeat device in the electronic control module (ECM) that detected when the car was being tested for compliance with emission norms. The ECM then ran a separate calibration which enabled the car to pass the emission test.

This has resulted in Volkswagen cars being put under the scanner all over the world. In India, the ARAI will carry out tests on Volkswagen cars that are already in use to determine whether the vehicles meet the prescribed emission norms or not.

With the inclusion of on-road tests, the ARAI will attempt to prevent such scandals from taking place in future.

Source: ET Auto

This is very good move by ARAI. This would at least keep the manufactures under check. Small step in the right direction.

While there are bigger issues to address with respect to pollution control (Trucks, LCVs and Buses spewing lot of emission), but this is not under the purview of ARAI is my understanding and this is more of ongoing implementation issue rather than pollution control certification for new cars.

Finally one incident opened the eyes of many. Is this applicable for brand new vehicles (or vehicle under certain age) or every car plying on road is covered? Quality of fuel & vehicle maintenance will also contribute for higher pollution (than the manufacturer declared value), how will that be monitored?

Sorry for being OT, but I'm little worried why is this tight screening on cars alone? Why isn't this Govt / public bodies least bothered about the public transportation? How good are out Govt buses? The worst polluters on roads were those big boxes, which never caught the attention of any Govt officials. Some buses were in pathetic condition, and some where really not worthy to be on road (some are not worthy to be on this earth itself) When we speak a lot about crash worthiness of cars, how many of these buses will pass the crash test? So many videos on YouTube about those junk boxes, seats falling off from the platform, steps falling off, a lot more. When helmet is made mandatory by Govt for 2 wheeler riders, I suggest them to make it mandatory for the one travelling in buses as well. God save them.

While there are a lot of things that don't work the way they should in India, we should not be saying that we don't want to make progress until the most backwards among us have caught up with us. I don't see any of us of saying that about things like standards of living.