Air conditioned driver cabins to soon be mandatory in trucks, says Nitin Gadkari

Making this announcement, Union Minister Nitin Gadkari acknowledged the struggle of truck drivers during harsh weather conditions

Nitin Gadkari announces mandate of AC in trucks

Gadkari acknowledged the struggle of truck drivers during harsh weather conditions. (File)

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In what will come as a relief to truck drivers especially during peak summer, Union Minister Nitin Gadkari Tuesday said that auto manufacturers will soon have to install air conditioners inside driver cabins of trucks.

Speaking at ‘Desh Chaalak-Recognising those who move India’ event in New Delhi, the Union Road Transport and Highways Minister said he has signed the file that would mandate air conditioning in truck driver compartments.

Gadkari also acknowledged the struggle of truck drivers during harsh weather conditions. “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,” Gadkari was quoted as saying by news agency ANI.

Gadkari also pointed out the shortage of drivers in India, which leads truckers to operate 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.