Air-conditioning mandatory for driver-cabin in trucks : Nitin Gadkari

Nitin Gadkari’s announcement (Union Minister for Road Transport & Highways)

(Credit : Zee News)

New Delhi – Cabin of every truck driver in the country should be air-conditioned, announced Nitin Gadkari, Union Minister for Road Transport & Highways, saying that this decision will come into effect from 2025.

“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. “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,” said Gadkari.

Nitin Gadkari, Union Minister for Road Transport & Highways

Gadkari also noted India has a shortage of drivers, resulting in truckers operating 14-16 hours a day. “In other countries, there is a restriction on the number of hours a trucker can be on duty,” he said.

In order to make this necessary transition, the commercial vehicle makers have been allowed a period of 18 months.