ARAI’s ADAS Test City: A Game-Changer for Road Safety in India
- Marketing Starkenn
- Sep 23
- 2 min read
Table of Contents
Introduction: Why India Needs ADAS Testing
India records over 480,000 road accidents every year, with over 180,000 deaths . To reduce these numbers, the government has announced that ADAS Regulations will become mandatory from 2026.
Engineers must test these safety systems on Indian roads before using them across the country.
Indian roads are far more unpredictable than those in Europe or the U.S.
This is where the Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI) steps in with the country’s first ADAS Test City near Talegaon, Pune .
What Is the ADAS Test City?
Spread over 20 acres near Pune, the facility, designed like a “mock city” to recreate real Indian driving conditions.
It includes:
Roundabouts, S-curves, and intersections
Speed breakers and uneven roads
Signboards in local languages
Parking zones and crossings
Simulated obstacles like stray animals and two-wheelers
In short, it’s a safe space to see how ADAS systems react to India’s real-world traffic.
Why It’s a Big Step for ADAS in India
So far, most ADAS testing for Indian vehicles happened abroad. The problem? Roads in Germany or the U.S. don’t look like ours — clear lane markings, disciplined traffic, and organized signage.
With the new Pune facility, manufacturers can now test and validate ADAS features in conditions built for India.
The setup mirrors real-life challenges — crowded highways, chaotic intersections, and drivers overtaking without warning.
This ensures the systems are reliable and relevant before they reach customers.
What will be tested here?
The test city allows developers to trial multiple ADAS features (Motor India Online):
Automatic Emergency Braking (AEBS)
Lane Departure Warning (LDWS)
Blind Spot Detection
Pedestrian and Cyclist Recognition
This means OEMs and technology firms can test, fine-tune, and certify their vehicles under ARAI’s supervision.
When Will It Be Ready?
The site is 90% complete, and ARAI expects it to be completely operational by The ADAS Show in December 2025.
This timing is crucial.ADAS will become mandatory in 2026. By then, India will already have the infrastructure to test and certify these technologies.
Why This Matters for the Future of Mobility
The ADAS Test City isn’t another testing track. India intends to adopt global safety standards while tailoring them to local needs.
The industry gains faster validation and lower costs. It also builds more confidence in bringing ADAS-equipped vehicles to market. For drivers and passengers, it means safer highways and smarter mobility.
Conclusion: Preparing India for Safer Mobility
India’s first ADAS Test City in Pune is more than infrastructure.
It shows that India is serious about road safety and ready to support the new ADAS rules with real-world testing.
This facility aligns technology with local conditions. It can save lives, improve compliance, and prepare India for the future of intelligent mobility.
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