STRAIGHT DRIVE

T ruck rentals rose in March and April on trunk routes, signalling a rise in freight activity. The rise in truck rentals was attributed to early harvesting of wheat crop in the northern states. It was also attributed to the early arrival of summer fruits and vegetables due to the rise in temperature. The year 2016 seems set to surpass the record set by 2015 as the hotest year ever. Large parts of India are facing severe drought. Hope is on a good monsoon. Lack of it for the last two years has had an effect on the country’s economy. The rural economy is in shambles almost. Amid harsh climate conditions and an economy that is under stress, medium and heavy commercial vehicles continue to grow on replacement demand. Light commercial vehicles have turned positive. Some pre- buying is expected as BS IV norms are implemented pan- India in April next year. BS VI emission norms are due in 2020. Suitable fuel is expected in 2019. One of the 175 countries to sign the Paris Climate agreement, India is battling with far from ideal air quality in some of its major cities. The government is engineering a vehicle modernisation policy. Hopefully a balanced view to move towards a greener future is agreed upon by the people of India rather than it being thrust upon them. Apart from the availability of greener automobiles ( BS VI vehicles are already touted as air purifiers), the need may be to look at other sources of pollution, and ensure that they look up to cleaner ways of working.