The Development of Trucking Sector in India

According to a recent survey into the productivity of Indian transport – India’s transportation sector supplies for the wants of 1.1 billion people. Of this, roads are the main form of transport as they carry 65% of India’s cargo. Also, trucks have the broadest reach in cargo carriage and can transport goods to even the most rural and mountainous areas of India.

The overall poor quality and growing congestion on Indian roads are some of the challenges of the trucking industry. This overcrowding is particularly severe in urban centers compelled by the huge development in vehicle possession in the past few years.

Indian Trucking – Facts (Based on the Indian Trucking Sector Analysis)

• The Indian Trucking industry nearly employs 40 million people.
• The trucks in India travel an average of 60,000 – 1, 00,000 kms of distance on road per year. About 2.5 – 3 million trucks move within the country every day.
• One of every 6 vehicles is not running due to unavailability of truck drivers. 

The government & the logistics authorities are planning to expand the road infrastructure through investing in variety of planning modules which includes $20.33 million from the World Bank programme which will help extension of the road network in the country.

Substantial investment is being made into India’s road network for improved trucking facilities such as free-trade warehousing zones and special economic zones (SEZs). The Maharashtra Industrial Development Corporation (MIDC) is planning to model 15 truck stations of global standard in Maharashtra. Numerous amenities will be added to the depots such as warehousing, rest facilities for drivers, treatment & medical facilities and fuel provisions.

Another major issue which is distressing the trucking sector is the scarcity of truck drivers. Lack of proper training, chaotic work schedules and inappropriate pay scale are the key concerns tackled by the industry at the moment. Mahindra Navistar provides appropriate training through their ‘Driver Training programme’ which will benefit the truckers to acquire a better work-related satisfaction.

The thrust in investment in the trucking sector will definitely boost its economy & trade. Mahindra Navistar is also working towards the betterment of Indian Trucking through its pioneering technology. Forums such as Mahindra Navistar “OutPerfoermer’s League” will support the logistics industry to track the problems and discover solutions.