The Indian government is considering reintroducing the “dog nose” truck design, where the engine and hood extend ahead of the driver’s cabin. This design was common until the late 1990s but was replaced by flat-fronted trucks to maximize cargo space under length regulations. However, officials now believe the dog nose design may enhance road safety by improving driver visibility and reaction time.
Union Road Transport and Highways Secretary V Umashankar explained that placing the driver above the engine gives extra space and time to observe the road ahead, allowing quicker responses to hazards. He described this change as a “space cushion” that could reduce accidents on highways.
This announcement came at Urban Adda 2025, an urban mobility conference in Delhi. While automobile safety experts note advantages in both flat-fronted and dog-nose trucks, Umashankar emphasized that the ministry will soon consult manufacturers and stakeholders to facilitate this transition. He also noted that implementing new regulations would require at least two years for manufacturers to adjust production lines.
In addition to truck design changes, the government is exploring “puller trailers” — multiple trailer combinations common in developed countries — to boost freight efficiency and cut logistics costs. Umashankar stated that such configurations could significantly reduce freight expenses and improve economic efficiency.
He stressed that improving road safety depends on collaboration between authorities and communities, encouraging local neighborhoods to act as pressure groups for change.
Regarding urban mobility, Umashankar highlighted the role of app-based cab services filling gaps left by weak bus systems in Indian cities. However, these services have not reduced congestion. The government plans to release aggregator guidelines soon, focusing on safety, service availability, and driver welfare.
Umashankar also cautioned against viewing metro rail as a complete solution for urban transit problems. Using Mumbai as an example, he pointed out that metro systems take many years to build, and incomplete networks limit ridership.
Drawing from his experience as municipal commissioner in Gurugram, he mentioned a successful public bus service funded by a 1% surcharge on real estate transactions that helped keep fares affordable. Unfortunately, many cities today lack such provisions, leading to loss-making and poorly utilized bus services.
On infrastructure, Umashankar said India aims to complete its national highway network by 2040. After that, priorities will shift to maintaining highways, preventing encroachments, and ensuring urban growth does not hinder highway efficiency.
