Subsequent to the agricultural sector, the transportation industry stands as the preeminent provider of employment in our nation. India’s trucking sector serves as a crucial catalyst for the national economy, contributing upwards of six percent to the GDP and sustaining the livelihoods of millions. Within this vital domain, truck drivers fulfill an indispensable role. With a focus on enhancing amenities for truck drivers, the central government has previously mandated that newly manufactured N2 and N3 category trucks from the year 2025 onwards must compulsorily feature air-conditioned driver cabins. This decision is predicated on the understanding that it will mitigate driver fatigue in hot weather conditions, thereby augmenting their work efficiency. This is indeed a commendable step. The transportation sector contributes significantly to the nation’s progress. It is estimated that there are over eight million truck drivers in the country.
*Seventy Percent Via Road:
According to a 2022 NITI Aayog report, our nation transports 70% of its domestic freight via roadways. Reports indicate that the number of trucks traversing Indian roads is projected to surge from four million in 2022 to 17 million by 2050. While trucks constitute a mere 2% of road vehicles by volume, the 2.8 million trucks in India collectively undertake journeys exceeding 100 billion kilometers annually, conveying 4.6 billion tonnes of freight. The annual transportation demand currently stands at 2.2 trillion tonne-kilometers and is anticipated to quadruple to 9.6 trillion tonne – kilometers by 2050.
Transportation demand represents the aggregate travel imperative stemming from a confluence of diverse exogenous factors, encompassing demographics, land utilization patterns, and economic impacts.
*Causative Factors of Accidents:
According to disparate statistical data released by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways and the National Crime Records Bureau, trucks constitute a principal contributor to road traffic accidents. Examination of the statistics within the “Road Accidents – 2022” annual report for India reveals that in 2022, national highways accounted for a substantial 32.9 percent (151,997) of all road accidents and a significant 35.7 percent (55,571) of total fatalities. A subset of drivers operating under the influence of alcohol or psychotropic substances, coupled with instances of vehicle overloading, are significant contributing factors to these incidents.
*Challenges Encountered:
Truck drivers on national highways face a multitude of formidable challenges. Addressing these issues and providing them with a quality driving experience and assurance in their livelihoods is of paramount importance. These drivers often endure an arduous existence, lacking adequate time for sustenance, sleep, and rest. For many, their truck serves as their de facto home during their journeys. Notwithstanding its growth, this sector grapples with a complex array of challenges, each necessitating a distinct approach for resolution. Truck drivers navigating national highways are frequently subjected to pressure to deliver goods across vast distances within compressed timeframes, inevitably leading to extended daily driving hours and a resultant increase in vehicle speed. Research indicates that a significant proportion of drivers operate their vehicles for up to 14 hours per day, substantially elevating the risk of accidents.
The continuous nature of their work contributes to approximately 50% of truck drivers experiencing driving-related health complications. Prolonged sedentary periods exacerbate the prevalence of severe health issues. Due to time constraints or the unavailability of familiar meals, over 70% of drivers fail to adhere to regular and nutritious eating habits, predisposing them to conditions such as obesity, musculoskeletal disorders, hypertension, insomnia, elevated stress levels, and dehydration, among others. A considerable number also encounter difficulties arising from a lack of familiarity with local languages. In the event of illness during transit, financial constraints often impede their access to appropriate medical care. Vehicle breakdowns or accidents precipitate significant hardships. Furthermore, certain routes are plagued by incidents of highway robbery, with cargo theft being commonplace.
Tragically, drivers who resist these criminal acts face the threat of homicide. Support from local communities is often lacking. The extended periods spent away from their homes contribute to the psychological distress experienced by many drivers. Additionally, engagement in unsafe sexual practices exposes them to the risk of sexually transmitted infections, including AIDS. Operating within an unorganized sector, these drivers typically lack the security of monthly salaries, receiving wages only for the days they undertake trips. This precarious financial situation renders it challenging to adequately provide for their families, deterring younger individuals from pursuing this profession as a stable career path. The average annual salary for a truck driver in India is approximately ₹3,14,600, or ₹17,040 per month, which is 19% lower than the national average salary of ₹72,900. The underdevelopment of formalization within this sector further exacerbates the persistent issue of a shortage of qualified drivers, hindering the optimal utilization of trucking capacity. The driver-to-truck ratio in India remains below 750 per 1000, resulting in 25% to 30% of trucks remaining idle at any given time due to the unavailability of drivers.
*Proposed Solutions:
The central government should endeavor to persuade truck owners to implement a system of monthly salaries for drivers, ensuring the enforcement of minimum wage standards. Augmenting highway patrolling is crucial to address the myriad challenges these drivers encounter along their routes. Furthermore, the development of dedicated rest areas along national highways is imperative, coupled with the provision of overnight accommodation facilities. Specialized hospitals catering to their needs should be established every 400 kilometers along these highways. Additionally, comprehensive accident insurance coverage should be extended to every driver. While the implementation of these measures cannot be achieved instantaneously, a gradual provision of amenities for drivers will undoubtedly lead to the delivery of higher quality services.
