Life on the Road: Truck Drivers

The long hours, time away from home and health risks truck drivers face, why there is a driver shortage, and steps to improve conditions.

India’s trucking depends on millions of drivers who spend long periods on the road.

Working conditions

Long hours, often driving through the night.
Weeks away from family.
Sleeping in cabins or at roadside dhabas.
Health risks: fatigue, back pain and poor diet.
Safety risks from accidents and theft.

The driver shortage

Industry bodies often report a shortage of drivers, with many trucks lacking a driver. Reasons include:

Low social status of the job.
Tough conditions and time away.
Young people preferring other work.

Air-conditioned cabins

The government made air-conditioned cabins mandatory for new trucks in certain categories from October 2025, to reduce fatigue in extreme heat.

Other efforts

Rest stops and wayside amenities on highways.
Training and licensing improvements.
Health check-ups at truck stops.

Why it matters economically

Driver shortages mean idle trucks, higher costs and delays. Fatigue causes accidents, which carry huge human and economic costs.

The shortage

A fleet owner has ten trucks but only seven drivers. Three trucks stand idle while EMIs are still due, so the owner raises wages to attract drivers.

Thinking driving a truck is simple, unskilled work

It requires skill, endurance and responsibility for costly vehicles and cargo.

Key takeaways

Truck drivers face long hours, time away and health risks.
Industry reports a driver shortage.
AC cabins became mandatory for new trucks in certain categories from October 2025.
Shortages and fatigue raise costs and accidents.