Relief for Indian Truckers: Government Mandates AC Cabins in Trucks by 2025

The transportation sector plays a pivotal role in the nation's economy, with truck drivers working tirelessly day and night to ensure the timely delivery of goods. Regardless of the season, these drivers work diligently to fulfil their responsibilities. Given the circumstances, it is crucial to give them the special consideration they deserve.

Union Minister Nitin Gadkari has made a significant announcement for truck drivers, stating that the installation of air conditioning in the cabins of all trucks and containers will be mandatory starting from 2025. This announcement by Gadkari is expected to provide significant relief to truckers.

India witnesses numerous fatalities each year in road accidents, particularly those involving truck containers. Fatigue, resulting from the drivers' prolonged journeys day and night, often emerges as a primary cause of such accidents.

In a significant move, Gadkari has taken measures to alleviate fatigue among truck drivers and provide them with respite during the summer season. Companies such as Volvo and Scania have already implemented air-conditioned cabins in their premium trucks.

On Monday, Nitin Gadkari announced his approval of the proposal to make air conditioning in truck cabins mandatory. This issue has been under debate for several years. Addressing the matter, Gadkari stated, "Some drivers in India operate trucks for 12-14 hours."

"Our drivers operate vehicles in harsh temperatures of 43...47 degrees and we must imagine the condition of drivers. I was keen to introduce the AC cabin after I became a minister. But some people opposed it saying the cost of trucks will go up. Today, I have signed the file that all truck cabins will be AC cabins," Gadkari said. "Before coming to this event today, I have signed the file that mandates air conditioning in truck driver compartments. We must ensure that people who drive the trucks are well taken of," Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari said at an auto industry event.

Further, in his address, the Union Minister spoke about the reduction in logistic costs and reiterated logistics costs in India need to be brought down in order to improve export competitiveness, adding good quality roads and trucks is key to it.