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

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

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

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

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

Stressing the crucial role of truck drivers in India's transportation sector, Gadkari emphasized the need to address issues related to their working conditions and mental well-being. 

Gadkari reiterated the 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, the minister expressed a longstanding advocacy for improving the working conditions of truck drivers through the provision of air-conditioned cabins.