Indian Government Makes AC Cabin Mandatory for Trucks

The Indian Government has made AC cabins mandatory for all trucks under the N2 and N3 categories. Starting from 1st October 2025, all trucks will have AC system installed as per ISI regulations.

The Ministry of Road Transport and Highway has made air conditioning cabins mandatory for all trucks manufactured on or after October 1st, 2025. All trucks under the N2 and N3 categories will need to have an AC system. Moreover, the testing of the cabin fitted with an AC system shall be as per IS14618:2022, said the ministry.

In a gazette notification, the ministry said, “The vehicles manufactured on or after October 1, 2025, shall be fitted with an air-conditioning system for the cabin of vehicle N2 and N3 category.”

What are the N2 and N3 Categories of Trucks

The N2 category trucks are goods carrying commercial vehicles with a GVW (Gross Vehicle Weight) ranging from 3.5 to 12 tonnes. The N3 category refers to goods carrying trucks with a GVW of more than 12 tonnes.

Earlier, In July, Union Road Transport Minister - Nitin Gadkari said that the draft notification to mandate the AC cabins for trucks has been approved from an earlier date of 1st January 2025.

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Government's Aim with AC Cabin Trucks

This decision is made to provide a better working environment for the drivers, inevitably leading to improved work productivity and efficiency. Nitin Gadkari said that truck drivers play a vital role in ensuring road safety in India and their well being is of utmost priority.

The minister also said that he has been pushing for AC cabins for truck drivers for a long time to reduce road accidents. In India, trucks are on the majority side when it comes to road accidents. AC cabins will help reduce the chances of accidents as per him.

The costs of the AC cabin will range from INR 30,000-50,000, depending on the size of the vehicle, as per truck manufacturers. For drive away chassis, the manufacturer will provide the AC system kit as per the ISI regulations and the bodybuilder will install the system.