Gadkari approves draft notification to mandate AC installation in trucks

New Delhi: Union road transport and highways minister Nitin Gadkari on Thursday announced that he has approved the draft notification to mandate the installation of air-conditioning systems in the cabins of trucks belonging to categories N2 and N3.

In a tweet, Gadkari said, “The draft notification has been approved for the installation of air conditioning systems in the cabins of trucks belonging to categories N2 and N3. Truck drivers play a crucial role in ensuring road safety.”

He added that truck drivers play an important role in ensuring road safety. “This decision marks a significant milestone in providing comfortable working conditions for truck drivers, thereby improving their efficiency and addressing the problem of driver fatigue.”

Gadkari announced last month at an event that from 2025 all trucks will be required to have air-conditioned driver's compartments. Gadkari had expressed his desire to introduce air conditioners in taxis since he assumed the ministerial position.

However, the minister did not mention the deadline for the launch of the trucks equipped with air conditioners. In addition, he emphasized the need to reduce logistical costs to enhance export competitiveness by adding good-quality roads and trucks.

According to industry estimates, the estimated additional cost of installing air conditioning cabins in trucks ranges from ₹10,000 to ₹20,000 per truck.

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