Nitin Gadkari: The driver cabins of all vehicles must now be air-conditioned

21 Jun 2023 , 11:36 AM

According to Nitin Gadkari, Minister of Road Transport and Highways, all trucks must henceforth have air-conditioned driver compartments. 

Gadkari stated to ET, ‘I intended to put air conditioners in truck driver compartments from the day I took responsibility as Minister. I spoke at an event organized by Mahindra Logistics to recognize the achievements of the drivers’ community. However, there were some reservations about this strategy and complaints about rising prices.

However, I signed the document requiring air conditioning in truck driver compartments before attending this ceremony today. We have to make sure that the truck drivers are taken care of,’ he stated.

Gadkari stated that the centre is stepping up efforts to enhance rest areas along national routes. ‘We are building 570 roadside amenities, of which 170 have had bids awarded and construction has started. Every 50 miles of highway portions should have an amenities centre, he suggested.

Lane driving should be encouraged, as should better road design and driver training, Gadkari stated when discussing how to lower the number of people killed in traffic accidents.

In order to maximize the use of recycled materials, he added, manufacturers and vehicle scrapping businesses must collaborate.

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