Government Planning Standardisation Of Motor Vehicle Dimensions: To Make Logistics More Efficient

The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways has issued a notification for an amendment in Rule-93 that speaks of dimensions of motor vehicles under the Central Motor Vehicle Rules 1989.

A statement issued by the Ministry read, "These amendments would provide for standardization in the dimensions of the Motor Vehicles which would be in line with international standards and a step by the Ministry to improve the logistics efficiency in the country."

It also said that the new dimensions would allow for more passengers to be ferried, or extra payload capacity within the prescribed weight limits.

According to the proposed amendment, two-wheelers can have a maximum length of 4-meters and a maximum height of 2.5-meters. Three wheelers are now allowed a maximum height of 2.5-meters, 0.30-meters more than what it is currently set. The length of the buses with two axles will increase to 13.5-meters from the current 12-meter length.

According to the proposed amendment, two-wheelers can have a maximum length of 4-meters and a maximum height of 2.5-meters. Three wheelers are now allowed a maximum height of 2.5-meters, 0.30-meters more than what it is currently set. The length of the buses with two axles will increase to 13.5-meters from the current 12-meter length.

The notification issued by the Ministry read, "The dimensions, particularly the height of the M category vehicles has been amended from 3.8 meter to 4.0 meter except in the case of Airport passenger bus (retained at 3.8 meter), in line with international UN Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) standards."

"In case of N category of goods vehicles, height has been amended from 3.8 meter to 4.0 meter except in case of N1 category of vehicles where the height has been restricted to 3.0 meter," the notification added.

The length of the Trailers (T category) has been proposed to be amended from 18.0-meters to 18.75-meters in order to cater for ISO standards containers measuring 45-feet in length. The height of the trailer has been proposed to be amended from 3.8meter- to 4.0-meter with certain exceptions.

The Government backed notification also said that semi trailers carrying ISO series freight containers, fabricated refrigerated containers, and those with containerized bodies shall not exceed 4.52 meters.

In case of truck-trailers and tractor-trailers that are employed with auto manufacturers to carry motor vehicles, and or construction equipment, livestock, white goods with a closed body, or meant to carry indivisible goods, the overall height has been proposed to be no more than 4.75-meters.

Thoughts About The Standardisation Of Dimensions Of Motor Vehicles In India

We're unsure about this notification issued by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways. Standardising is great but we don't think it can be implemented 100 percent just yet. Changing dimensions alone won't help make the Logistics Industry efficient, someone needs to do something about the roads across the country.