Over 55% of Indian truck drivers have compromised vision, IIT Delhi report reveals

The report, released on January 28, 2025, highlights that 55.1% of truck drivers have compromised vision, with 53.3% requiring distance vision correction and 46% needing near-vision treatment. The study, conducted in collaboration with the Foresight Foundation, screened 50,000 truck drivers across six states—Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu.

Beyond vision problems, the report points to other significant health risks. It found that 44.3% of drivers exhibited borderline or above-normal Body Mass Index (BMI), while 57.4% had elevated blood pressure levels. Additionally, 18.4% showed borderline or high blood sugar levels, indicating a growing concern about lifestyle diseases among drivers.

Mental health is another pressing issue, with 33% of drivers reporting moderate stress levels, while 2.9% were found to have high stress levels. Experts emphasize the need for mental health support and interventions to improve overall well-being in the trucking sector. Releasing the report, Union Minister of Road Transport & Highways, Nitin Gadkari, acknowledged the critical challenges in India’s transportation sector. He highlighted that 70% of India’s freight moves via roads, contributing to logistics costs of 14-16%, significantly higher than global standards.

One of the most urgent issues is the shortage of truck drivers, with only 75 drivers available for every 100 trucks. Addressing this, Mr. Gadkari emphasized the government’s commitment to enhancing driver training, improving their well-being, and integrating digital solutions to make their work more efficient. Trucks remain the backbone of India’s logistics sector, playing a vital role in connecting industries and enabling the seamless movement of goods. However, truck drivers endure grueling work conditions, including long hours, irregular shifts, extended time away from family, and various health risks.

With India’s economy heavily dependent on road transport, improving driver health, safety, and working conditions is crucial for ensuring a more efficient, cost-effective, and safer logistics ecosystem.