Nitin Gadkari, Minister of Road Transport and Highways, announced on Tuesday that beginning in 2025, all trucks will be required to have air-conditioned driver compartments.
Gadkari claimed on Monday, while speaking to a crowd at a Mahindra Logistics event, that he planned to put air conditioners in truck cabins the day he joined office. However, according to Gadkari, his goal was not realised because people complained about rising vehicle prices.
“But 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,” Gadkari said.
The Union Minister assured that the Centre is doing its best to improve wayside amenities on national highways.
He said that his Ministry is making 570 road side amenities, for which tenders have been awarded for 170 and work has also begun. He added that their goal is to create an amenity centre at every 50 kilometres of highway stretches.
Gadkari also expressed his concern over the road accidents-induced fatalities and measures taken to reduce them. Gadkari said that lane driving should be encouraged along with better designing of roads and training drivers to follow proper rules.
Gadkari’s announcement comes only days after Congress leader Rahul Gandhi visited the United States for three days and went from Washington to New York in a truck. During his journey, the truck driver discussed the differences in working conditions for truck drivers in the United States and India.
He claims that trucks in India are not designed for driver comfort, whereas in the United States, manufacturers prioritise safety and comfort elements.
Amber Enterprises’ stock jumped 13% to Rs 2,387 in Tuesday’s trading session, following the Union Minister’s announcement. Amber Enterprises is a well-known HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) solution supplier.