Air-conditioned truck cabins a must from Oct 2025, govt issues notification

New Delhi: Acknowledging tough conditions and wellbeing of truck drivers, Ro Transport and Highways Ministry finally issued a notification mandating air-conditioned truck cabins from October 1, 2025. 

All new trucks must have AC cabins for drivers, stated notification. In a gazette notification, ministry has said, "... vehicles manufactured on or after October 1, 2025, shall be fitted with an air-conditioning system for cabin of vehicles of N2 and N3 category".

testing of cabin fitted with an air-conditioning system shall be as per IS14618:2022, it ded.

In July, Union Ro Transport Minister Nitin Gkari announced approval of a draft notification mandating installation of air-conditioning systems in truck cabins.

Stressing crucial role of truck drivers in India's transportation sector, Gkari emphasized need to dress issues related to ir working conditions and mental well-being. 

Gkari reiterated impending enforcement of mandatory air-conditioned cabins for trucks, citing concerns over truck drivers being compelled to work in extreme heat conditions. 

Despite objections claiming potential cost increases, minister expressed a longstanding vocacy for improving working conditions of truck drivers through provision of air-conditioned cabins.