Life on the Highways: The Struggles and Spirit of India’s Truck Drivers

Truck drivers form the backbone of India’s economy, transporting nearly 65% of the country’s goods by road. Yet, their daily lives remain fraught with challenges, hardship, and neglect.

For most drivers, the day stretches beyond 14 hours behind the wheel, often with little rest. Fatigue and sleep-deprivation are common, as meeting delivery deadlines takes precedence over health. Poor infrastructure only adds to the strain—broken roads, traffic jams, inadequate parking, and the near-complete absence of basic amenities like toilets, showers, and clean food facilities make life on highways especially tough.

Corruption and harassment are another grim reality. Truckers frequently report extortion from officials and are often unfairly blamed for road accidents. Combined with long absences from home, many drivers struggle with loneliness, mental stress, and in some cases, substance use as a coping mechanism.

Economically, most truck drivers earn low wages, especially those who do not own their vehicles. Delays in payments and lack of job security add to their financial burden. Despite their vital role in keeping goods moving across states, truckers face social stigma, often seen as rough and uneducated. Many drivers openly admit they would not want their children to follow the same path, hoping education opens better opportunities.

Yet, amid the hardships, there is resilience. A strong sense of camaraderie binds the trucker community—drivers often help one another during breakdowns, illnesses, or emergencies. The profession demands skill, patience, and endurance, and for many, it provides a crucial source of livelihood in a country with high unemployment.

As India pushes for economic growth, recognizing and improving the working conditions of truck drivers is vital. Without them, the wheels of commerce would simply grind to a halt.