AC Cabins to Be Mandatory for Truck Drivers Following 2025: Transport Ministry
New Delhi, 20 June, 2023: Union Transport Minister, Nitin Gadkari declared on Tuesday to make Air-Conditioned Cabins compulsory for trucks following 2025. This move was necessitated to upgrade the transport industry, as well as provide comfort and minimise truck accidents.
All heavy-duty trucks and commercial vehicles registered in India will be required to have air-conditioned cabins installed by 2025, according to the new legislation. Keeping in mind the essentiality of the transport sector to the Indian economy, the Ministry felt it was long overdue to upgrade it.
The estimate per truck is near around Rs. 10,000- Rs 20,000. This proposal was first introduced by the ministry in 2016, and has been approved after long discussions and debates in 2023.
Although the installation of AC Cabinets can have its own set of debates, the onset of VOLVO trucks has changed this debate as it provides comfort to the drivers as, which further lessens highway accidents too.
Numerous studies have shown that severe temperatures, particularly in the summer, can have a substantial impact on a driver’s focus, reaction time, and decision-making ability. Air-conditioned cabins will assist prevent heat-related tiredness and discomfort, ensuring drivers remain alert and focused on the road.
Previously, Gadkari has also stated that the length of National Highways is being increased from 96000 kms to 2 lakh kms, as part of the safety measures.
Through such measures, the Ministry has certainly prioritised the driver’s health and safety.
