Nitin Gadkari mandates A/C driver cabins for all trucks

21 Jun 2023 CW Team

Nitin Gadkari, The Minister for Road Transport and Highways, announced that all trucks would now be required to have air-conditioned driver compartments. He made this statement during an event organised by Mahindra Logistics to recognise the contributions of the drivers' community. Gadkari stated that he had wanted to introduce air conditioners in truck driver compartments ever since he became Minister. However, there were concerns raised about the increased costs associated with this plan.

He further mentioned that before attending the event, he had signed the file that mandated the installation of air conditioning in truck driver compartments. He emphasised the importance of ensuring the well-being of truck drivers by providing them with proper facilities. Gadkari also discussed the government's efforts to improve wayside amenities along national highways. He informed the audience that 570 roadside amenities were being developed, with tenders awarded for 170 of them, and work had already begun. The goal was to have an amenity centre every 50 kilometres of highway stretches.

Regarding road safety and reducing accident fatalities, Gadkari expressed the need to promote lane driving, improve road design, and enhance driver training. He also stressed the importance of collaboration between vehicle scrapping units and manufacturers to maximise the utilisation of recycled materials.

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