Auto manufacturers will soon have to install air conditioners inside driver cabins of trucks, according to Union Minister of Road Transport & Highways Nitin Gadkari.

“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 off,” Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari said at an auto industry event.

“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. Today, I have signed the file that all truck cabins will be AC cabins,” he said while addressing the event called ‘Desh Chaalak – Recognising those who move India,’ organized by Mahindra Logistics.

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.

The minister did not mention the deadline as to when people can expect the trucks fitted with AC cabins will be rolled out. Some reports suggest that the rollout will be from 2025.

Further, in his address, the Union Minister spoke about the reduction in logistic costs and reiterated that logistics costs in India need to be brought down to improve export competitiveness. Adding good quality roads and trucks is the key to it. (with inputs from the agency)