The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) has recently issued a draft notification that proposes the mandatory installation of air-conditioning systems in the cabins of motor vehicles belonging to categories N2 and N3. This regulation is slated to take effect from January 1, 2025, and aims to enhance the comfort and safety of these vehicles.
Analysis: The draft notification, issued by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways on July 10, 2023, introduces an amendment to the Central Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989. The proposed amendment mandates the fitting of air-conditioning systems in motor vehicles falling under the N2 and N3 categories. These categories typically include heavy commercial vehicles such as trucks and buses.
The cabin’s air-conditioning system’s performance will be evaluated according to the guidelines provided in IS 14618: 2022, which may be updated periodically. The MoRTH has invited comments and suggestions from stakeholders within a 30-day period starting from the date of notification. Interested parties can share their feedback via email at [email protected].
The draft rules specify that vehicles manufactured on or after January 1, 2025, must be equipped with an air-conditioning system for the cabin, complying with the prescribed standards. The proposed amendment aims to improve the comfort and working conditions for drivers and passengers in N2 and N3 category vehicles, especially during extreme weather conditions.
Conclusion: The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways’ draft notification introduces a significant requirement for the installation of air-conditioning systems in the cabins of N2 and N3 category vehicles manufactured from 2025 onwards. By mandating this enhancement, the ministry aims to enhance the comfort and overall working conditions for drivers and passengers in these commercial vehicles. Vehicle manufacturers and industry stakeholders are encouraged to review the draft rules and provide their feedback to the ministry within the specified timeframe.
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Ministry of Road Transport & Highways
Draft notification issued mandating installation of air-conditioning system in cabins of motor vehicles belonging to categories N2 and N3, manufactured from 1st January 2025 onwards
Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) has issued a draft notification dated 10 July 2023 mandating the installation of air-conditioning system in the cabins of motor vehicles belonging to categories N2 and N3, manufactured from 1st January 2025 onwards.
The performance testing of the cabin fitted with air-conditioning system shall be as per IS 14618: 2022, as amended from time to time. Comments / suggestions have been invited from the stakeholders within 30 days from the date of notification. These can be sent on comments-morth[at]gov[dot]in
Posted On: 11 JUL 2023
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MINISTRY OF ROAD TRANSPORT AND HIGHWAYS
NOTIFICATION
New Delhi, the 10th July, 2023
G.S.R. 492(E).—The following draft rules to further amend the Central Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989, which the Central Government proposes to make in exercise of the powers conferred by Section 110 of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988 (59 of 1988) is hereby published as required by sub-section (1) of Section 212 of the said Act for information of all persons likely to be affected thereby and notice is hereby given that the said draft rules shall be taken into consideration after the expiry of a period of thirty days from the date on which the copies of this notification, as published in the Gazette of India, are made available to the public.
The objections or suggestions which may be received from any person with respect to the said draft rules before the expiry of the period aforesaid will be considered by the Central Government;
Objections and suggestions to these draft rules, if any, may be sent to the Additional Secretary (MVL), email: [email protected], Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, Transport Bhawan, Parliament Street, New Delhi-110 001.
Draft Rules
1. Short title and commencement – (1) These rules may be called as the Central Motor Vehicles (…………………. Amendment) Rules, 2023.
(2) They shall come into force from the date of their final publication in the Official Gazette.
2. In the Central Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989, in rule 125C, in sub-rule (4), after the second proviso, following shall be inserted:-
“Provided further that vehicles manufactured on or after 1st January 2025 shall be fitted with an air conditioning system for cabin of vehicles of N2 and N3 category. The testing of the cabin fitted with air-conditioning system shall be as per IS14618:2022, as amended from time to time.”
[F. No. RT-11028/02/2016-MVL]
MAHMOOD AHMED, Addl. Secy.
Note:—The principal rules were published in the Gazette of India, Extraordinary, Part II, Section 3, sub-section(i) vide G.S.R. 590(E), dated the 2nd June, 1989 and lastly amended vide G.S.R. …..(E) dated the……………….
