Good News for Truck Drivers: ACs in Trucks Made Mandatory in India
Published On Nov 23, 2016
Truck drivers all over the country must have heaved a sigh of relief with the Government’s decision of making it mandatory for truck manufacturers to offer air-conditioning as standard fitment in trucks. The amendment made to the Motor Vehicle Act, 1988, makes it mandatory for all body makers and CV manufacturers to install ACs in all trucks that will be sold from April 1, 2017.
It is not like AC were not available in trucks before, but many fleet owners as well as single truck owners usually refrained from buying trucks with ACs primarily because of two main reasons – increase in cost of trucks and negative effect on mileage.
Robinder Gauba, Business Head, TrucksDekho, said, “The decision sounds good initially but only time will tell the real impact. ACs would definitely make truck mileages go down, inflation is bound to go up. We will also have to wait and see what truck operators choose between mileage and cooling. Global warming will also play a significant role. But yes I think the decision is an excellent step towards caring for truck drivers. Not to forget that it will help in reducing driver fatigue as well.”
Though this probably is the first serious step taken by the concerned ministry towards betterment of conditions for truck drivers and helping staff, we are afraid that the government might have missed on crucial facts. It must have taken into consideration the bitter truth that most truck bodies are built by independent truck body makers operating in the country. Installing ACs in a way which does not have a negative impact on the truck’s body, or does not pose any danger to the driver, might just not be their cup of tea.
Making such changes at such a short interval in complete range of trucks may not be possible for all the truck makers. Hastened efforts in order to make the trucks amendment compatible may also lead to unnecessary breakdowns.
With current developments and BS-IV norms kicking in from April 2017, it is estimated that truck sells will skyrocket further in the final phase of H2, FY 2017.
Whatever the case maybe, the decision has made truck drivers all over the country rejoice with happiness.
