New Delhi: The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways has issued anotification requiring all new trucks manufactured on or after October 1, 2025, to be equipped with air-conditioned cabins for drivers. This initiative is part of a comprehensive effort to improve working conditions and enhance the overall safety of truck drivers.
The directive, outlined in a gazette notification from the ministry, is specifically applicable to vehicles falling under the N2 and N3 category. N2 vehicles are medium-sized commercial vehicles, with a maximum permissible weight of up to 12 tons and N3 vehicles are large commercial vehicles, with a maximum permissible weight of up to 16 tons. This category includes lorries and buses.
To ensure strict compliance with the new regulation, the ministry has specified that the testing of cabins fitted with air-conditioning systems must adhere to the standards outlined in IS14618:2022 (Automotive vehicles Air-conditioning and heating systems thermal performance Method of measurement). This meticulous testing process aims to guarantee the effective and reliable functioning of the air-conditioning systems in truck cabins.
The recent announcement aligns with a statement made by Union Road Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari in July, confirming the approval of the draft notification to mandate the installation of air-conditioning systems in truck cabins.
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