By Chirag R Katira, Director, SNGT
The transport industry serves as the lifeline of India’s economy, facilitating connectivity, trade, and growth. Despite technological leaps in vehicle design and functionality, the laws governing commercial trucks remain outdated, creating a mismatch that stifles the sector’s potential.
Drafted during an era of rudimentary vehicle technology, the Motor Vehicles Act fails to address the realities of 2024, where BS6-compliant trucks dominate the roads. These vehicles, equipped with advanced safety, communication, and emission-control systems, are treated no differently than their decades-old predecessors in the eyes of the law. This misalignment underscores an urgent need for regulatory reform.
From Basics to Brilliance: The Evolution of Trucks
Trucks in the 1980s were simplistic machines. With no power steering, reverse cameras, or GPS systems, drivers relied heavily on helpers for basic tasks, including manual steering, reverse guidance, and roadside repairs. Communication with drivers was nearly impossible, as mobile technology and GPS tracking were non-existent.
In stark contrast, today’s BS6 trucks are engineered for the modern era:
- Power steering ensures effortless handling.
- Reverse cameras and sensors enhance safety.
- GPS systems offer real-time location tracking and navigation.
- Advanced engines adhering to BS6 emission standards drastically reduce pollution.
- Support networks from Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) provide roadside assistance for seamless operations.
These technological advances render the traditional role of a cleaner/helper unnecessary. However, the law still mandates their presence, imposing an outdated requirement on transporters.
The Burden of Outdated Regulations
The legal compulsion to employ cleaners/helpers is a source of inefficiency, financial strain, and regulatory harassment. Many transporters report frequent penalties for non-compliance with this obsolete mandate, despite the fact that modern trucks are designed for single-driver operation.
As India explores semi-autonomous and driverless technologies, clinging to such archaic rules only widens the gap between the nation’s ambitions and its preparedness for future innovation.
Charting the Path Forward
Modernizing India’s trucking laws is essential for unlocking the sector’s true potential. Here are key areas for reform:
- Abolish the Cleaner Mandate
The requirement for cleaners/helpers in BS6 trucks is redundant. Eliminating this rule will reduce operational costs and align regulations with current vehicle capabilities. - Encourage Technology Adoption
Policies should incentivize transporters to adopt advanced safety and monitoring systems, including GPS tracking, lane assist, and electronic logbooks. - Enhance Driver Training
Focus on equipping drivers with the skills needed to operate modern trucks effectively and safely, rather than enforcing outdated roles. - Support Sustainability Goals
Regulations should promote the use of fuel-efficient engines and alternative energy vehicles, contributing to India’s environmental objectives. - Streamline Enforcement
Law enforcement should prioritize genuine violations, such as overloading and emission breaches, instead of penalizing transporters for obsolete requirements. - Prepare for Autonomous Technology
Future-ready laws must accommodate the integration of autonomous vehicles and related innovations, ensuring that India remains competitive globally.
Bridging the Gap
Revising the Motor Vehicles Act is not just a legislative necessity but a strategic move to position India’s transport sector for long-term growth. Updated regulations will boost efficiency, reduce corruption, and align the industry with global standards of sustainability and innovation.
India’s history is one of adaptation and ingenuity. Aligning transport laws with the advancements of modern trucks will not only strengthen the industry but also support national economic and environmental goals. The future of India’s transport industry depends on bridging the gap between regulations and technology.
By taking decisive steps today, India can ensure a transport ecosystem that thrives on innovation, sustainability, and efficiency, driving the nation toward a brighter and more connected tomorrow.
This shift in regulatory focus will benefit drivers, transporters, and the economy at large, paving the way for a forward-thinking, resilient, and globally competitive transport industry. Let’s make this vision a reality.