Industry not ready for higher axle load on heavy vehicles, tractor trailers

The government has increased the permitted axle load of heavy vehicles and tractor trailers by 18 per cent, allowing fleet owners to carry more goods. The notification, dated July 16, 2018, applies to the sale of new vehicles.

A separate advisory for the increase in load of existing vehicles will be issued by the road transport ministry.

Manufacturers, however, said the industry was not ready to produce such vehicles that meet the revised gross vehicle weight (GVW).

“The announcement seems to have been done in a hurry. The industry does not have these products ready. It will take three to six months to