Centre proposes 4.5-metre height cap for cargo trucks

Centre moves to ease transport norms for heavy cargo

In a move aimed at streamlining freight movement and cutting logistics costs, the Union government has proposed increasing the maximum permissible height of certain heavy vehicles from 4 metres to 4.5 metres when they are carrying white goods or solar photovoltaic panels. The proposal forms part of a draft amendment issued by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways and is now open for public consultation.

Which vehicles are covered under the proposal?

The suggested change applies to trucks and trailers falling under the N2 and N3 categories. N2 vehicles include trucks weighing more than 3.5 tonnes but not exceeding 12 tonnes, typically used for regional freight. The N3 category covers vehicles exceeding 12 tonnes, including large commercial trucks and tractor-trailer combinations used for long-haul transportation.

According to the draft notification published in the Gazette of India on January 30, the amendment seeks to revise Rule 93 of the Central Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989. The new provision would allow these vehicles to carry cargo stacked in multiple layers up to an overall height of 4.5 metres, provided the goods are securely packaged and properly loaded.

Why the government wants to change the rule

Currently, most commercial trucks are restricted to a height of 4 metres, which often limits the number of appliances or solar modules that can be transported in a single trip. Industry representatives have long argued that this results in higher freight costs, increased fuel consumption, and more vehicle movement on highways.

The proposed change is particularly relevant for sectors such as renewable energy and consumer electronics, where products like solar panels, air conditioners, refrigerators, and washing machines are often bulky but lightweight. Allowing an additional half-metre of loading space could help transporters move more goods per trip, improving efficiency and reducing emissions.

Public feedback and next steps

The ministry has invited objections, suggestions, and comments from stakeholders, including transport companies, manufacturers, logistics firms, and the general public. Interested parties have 30 days from the date of publication of the draft notification to submit their views. After reviewing the feedback, the government will take a final decision on whether to implement the amendment.

Industry welcomes the move, seeks broader reforms

Abhishek Gupta, general secretary of the All India Truckers Welfare Association (AITWA), described the proposal as a “practical and much-needed step.” He noted that the higher height limit could lower logistics expenses and improve vehicle utilisation while reducing carbon emissions due to fewer trips.

However, Gupta also emphasised that this should be only the beginning. He suggested that the government should consider a more comprehensive revision of height norms across different transport categories, ensuring that safety standards are maintained while boosting efficiency and competitiveness in the trucking sector.

Link to India’s clean energy goals

Amit Bhatt, India managing director at the International Council on Clean Transportation (ICCT), highlighted the significance of the move for the renewable energy industry. He pointed out that India aims to achieve 500 gigawatts of non-fossil electricity capacity by 2030, with solar power expected to play a major role.

Bhatt said that clear and practical transport regulations for solar equipment would help reduce delays and logistical bottlenecks, allowing renewable energy projects to be executed more smoothly. According to him, while the amendment may appear minor, it could have a meaningful impact on India’s broader decarbonisation and energy transition efforts.