By Kumar Kunal and Shri Prakash
The statistics from the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways for the year 2021 to 2022 show an increase in accidents caused by Trucks and Lorries. The data can be correlated to increasing temperatures leading to an increase in the miserable conditions of truck drivers.
Currently, the trucks within the freight sector contribute approximately 5 percent to the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and employ a significant workforce of 2.2 crore individuals. Annually, India handles a substantial volume of goods amounting to around 4.6 billion tonnes, which incurs a total annual cost of INR 9.5 Lakhs Crore. Trucks and other vehicles play a pivotal role in facilitating this movement of goods.
Truck drivers work long hours on the road, often in tough driving conditions, especially in regions where temperatures range from 43deg C to 47deg C. To combat driver tiredness during long-distance travel, the Minister of Road Transport and Highways issued a key statement in June 2023, stating that truck manufacturers will be required to supply air-conditioned truck cabins from 2025. Truck drivers in India work an average of 12 hours per day, indicating both prolonged operations that cause weariness and a driver shortage. This notification is designed to alleviate truck drivers, but it is also not clear if this will have any environmental consequences. With a short-term objective of reducing gross emissions by 45 per cent by 2030 and reaching net-zero emissions by 2070, the environmental impact related to such a deliverable must be investigated.
The study conducted on ‘Status of Truck Drivers in India’ by SaveLIFE Foundation, encompassed 10 states in India and surveyed approximately 1,200 truck drivers. Surprisingly, the findings revealed that nearly 50 percent of these truck drivers admitted to operating their vehicles even when experiencing fatigue or sleepiness. This alarming revelation highlights the urgent need for measures aimed at improving the working conditions and safety of these essential workers. In this context, the provision of air-conditioned cabins in trucks can alleviate the adverse effects of such extreme weather conditions. By providing a comfortable and controlled environment, AC cabins have the potential to enhance driver alertness, concentration, and overall cognitive functioning during their journeys.
The cost of installing AC cabins in trucks is expected to be between Rs 30,000 to Rs 40,000 per vehicle. While this is a significant expenditure, the benefits of reduced driver fatigue and improved overall well-being can be far-reaching. Providing drivers with the ability to go longer distances without jeopardising their health can result in enhanced production and efficiency in the trucking sector.
Although air conditioning is one of the auxiliary functions that lead to a reduction in fuel efficiency and increased emissions, some other factors impact the fuel consumption of trucks. These include AC system efficiency, speed and driving conditions, temperature, vehicle load, driving habits and aerodynamics. Nevertheless, concerns have been raised regarding the potential trade-offs associated with including AC cabins in trucks, particularly concerning fuel consumption and their environmental impact. Critics argue that the amplified fuel consumption could potentially exacerbate environmental concerns, considering the significant contribution of the trucking industry to greenhouse gas emissions. As environmental sustainability remains a pressing global issue, any measure impacting fuel consumption and emissions warrants careful consideration. Also, the latest technologies of air conditioning are focusing on more efficient use of energy improving fuel consumption and emitting lesser emissions.
Additionally, with the recent updates in Section 106 of the Bhartiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) increasing the jail term for the hit and run accidents caused by trucks has brought in more demotivation for the truck drivers to stay within this profession with a choice and has led to protests by the unions nationwide. The initiative to reduce stress upon the truck drivers by improving their comfort is a vital step towards reducing the strain on truck drivers as well as reducing road fatalities caused by these vehicles.
In conclusion, the proposal to incorporate AC cabins in trucks represents a crucial step toward prioritising the well-being and safety of truck drivers which can also lead to a reduction in road fatalities caused by Trucks and Lorries. We should cultivate a safer and more satisfied workforce by reducing driver fatigue, changing driver behaviour, and enhancing overall comfort. Striving for a balanced approach will pave the way for a sustainable future in which the freight sector thrives, and driver welfare remains a paramount consideration.
The authors are Research Associate, and, Distinguished Fellow, Transport and Urban Governance Division at The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI).
Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article are solely those of the original author. These views and opinions do not represent those of The Indian Express Group or its employees.
