AC Cabins to Become Mandatory for Truck Drivers by 2025: Nitin Gadkari

New Delhi: Union Minister Nitin Gadkari has announced that auto manufacturers will soon be required to install air conditioners in the cabins of trucks.

Speaking at an auto industry event, Gadkari emphasized the need to take care of truck drivers who operate in extreme temperatures ranging from 43 to 47 degrees Celsius. Despite initial opposition due to concerns about increased truck costs, the minister has signed a file mandating that all truck cabins be equipped with air conditioning. While no specific deadline was mentioned, reports suggest that the rollout of AC cabins will begin in 2025.

Gadkari also addressed the shortage of truck drivers in India, which has resulted in drivers working excessively long hours (14 to 16 hours per day). He highlighted that other countries have regulations in place to limit the number of hours a trucker can be on duty.

Furthermore, the minister emphasized the need to reduce logistics costs in India to enhance export competitiveness. He stated that the key factors in achieving this goal are the presence of high-quality roads and trucks. Improving these aspects will contribute to lowering logistics costs and improving the overall efficiency of the transportation sector.