Union Minister Nitin Gadkari has signed a file stating that all trucks must have AC cabins from 2025

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Updated On: 20-Jun-2023 08:48 AM

Gadkari stated that he had signed a file stating that all trucks would have AC cabins; he made this declaration at an event hosted by an automobile business. According to industry estimates, the additional cost of putting AC cabins in trucks ranges from R

Union Road Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari declared that air-conditioned (AC) cabins will be compulsory for all trucks from 2025. The decision came as a relief to drivers who had to spend nearly 11-12 hours on the road in hot and short cabins.

Working Conditions and long hours are the main contributors to driver fatigue and accidents. While prominent foreign truck manufacturers such as Volvo and Scania currently equip their high-end trucks with AC cabins, despite years of consideration, many Indian manufacturers have yet to follow this practice. Minister Gadkari's approval of the idea is accompanied by an 18-month transition period, giving the industry enough time to complete the necessary changes.

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Mr Gadkari highlighted the importance of better driving conditions, pointing out the striking contrast between India and other countries that limit the working hours of bus and truck drivers. Indian drivers sometimes face severe temperatures ranging from 43 to 47 degrees Celsius, making their jobs even more difficult.

Gadkari stated that he had signed a file stating that all trucks would have AC cabins; he made this declaration at an event hosted by an automobile business. He also dismissed opposition that claimed higher pricing would be a hurdle.

Despite initial industry fears that AC cabins would cause tiredness in drivers, a ministry official rejected these claims. Using the launch of Volvo buses as an example, the official described how the idea of bus drivers feeling drowsy in AC cabins was dismissed, leading to the adoption of AC cabins for drivers in luxury buses.

According to industry estimates, the additional cost of putting AC cabins in trucks ranges from Rs 10,000 to Rs 20,000 per truck.