Truckers raise heat over govt's AC cabin proposal

But commercial vehicle OEMs welcome the move, saying demand for AC trucks is already going up

- SHINE JACOB & SOHINI DAS

Truck operators are up in arms over the government’s plan to make air-conditioned cabins mandatory for truck drivers by 2025. If implemented, the move will not only increase the cost of trucks by up to ₹50,000, but also lead to a spike in freight rates, they claim. 

The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) recently announced its decision to make air-conditioned driver’s cabins mandatory for trucks by 2025.

However, operators point out that this will raise fuel costs by as much as 25 per cent and maintenance costs by about 50 per cent. Moreover, say industry insiders, in some models, original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) may have to make changes to the drive-train of vehicles to accommodate the AC cabin. This is likely to increase truck prices by ₹30,000-₹50,000. 

That's not all. The higher maintenance and fuel costs will likely result in a rise in freight rates. "If the government wants air conditioning to be mandatory in truck cabins, it should ensure free solar panels in every truck. This decision is going to increase our fuel cost by 25 per cent and maintenance cost by 50 per cent," said KArul, secretary, Namakkal Taluk Lorry Owners Association (NTLOA).