All truck cabins will be required to have air conditioning by 2025, aiming to provide much-needed comfort to drivers who endure gruelling work conditions and extended hours on the road. While high-end global truck manufacturers like Volvo and Scania already equip their vehicles with air-conditioned cabins, most of their Indian counterparts have yet to adopt this practise, despite years of deliberation.
Union road transport minister Nitin Gadkari, announcing his approval of the proposal, highlighted the necessity of a transition period of 18 months for the industry to upgrade. He emphasised the disparity between the working hours of Indian drivers compared to their counterparts in other countries, as well as the extreme temperatures they endure while operating vehicles.
The decision faced opposition on grounds of increased costs, but Gadkari affirmed his commitment to the initiative and signed the directive, mandating air-conditioned cabins for all trucks.
The estimated additional cost of implementing air-conditioned cabins in trucks falls within the range of Rs 10,000 to Rs 20,000 per vehicle. This investment aims to enhance driver comfort and mitigate the risks associated with fatigue and accidents in the cargo industry.
