Government increases maximum load capacity for trucks
New Delhi, July 17: The government has decided to increase the maximum load carrying capacity of all new heavy vehicles by 20-25 per cent, Road Transport and Highway Minister Nitin Gadkari said on Tuesday.
He said this would bring down the logistic cost in the country by 2 per cent and will help in increasing the "ease of doing business".
"Logistic cost in India is 16 to 18 per cent of the GDP whereas it is 8 to 10 per cent in developed countries. This decision will reduce transport cost by 2 per cent and will revolutionise the transport sector," Gadkari told reporters here.
He added that norms for axle load were last notified in 1983 and there has been no change over the last 35 years despite vast improvements in technology.
"Also, there was need to harmonize axle load with international standards. And we have taken this decision in line with international standards and best global practices," Gadkari said.
"The decision will increase capacity of transport vehicles by 20 to 25 per cent and will result in saving time and fuel cost," he said.
The Minister added the decision will also go a long way in checking over-loading of vehicles.
"After this, we will focus on strong enforcement to check over-loading. We are also sending circulars to state governments to enforce this," he added.
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What is Iran’s 10-point plan? Key demands ahead of US talks in Islamabad
Tehran/Islamabad: Iran has outlined a 10-point plan as the basis for upcoming talks with the United States, expected to begin in Islamabad on April 11, according to a statement from the Iranian Supreme National Security Council.
The plan lays out Tehran’s key political, military and economic demands, and is being seen as a framework for negotiations following the recent escalation in the region.
Strait of Hormuz at the centre
A major focus of the plan is the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global shipping route. Iran has proposed “controlled passage through the Strait of Hormuz in coordination with the Iranian armed forces,” which it says would give the country a unique economic and geopolitical position.
The plan also calls for the “establishment of a safe transit protocol” in the Strait that would guarantee Iran’s dominance under an agreed mechanism.
Call to end conflict
Iran has demanded “the necessity of ending the war against all elements of the axis of resistance,” signalling its expectation that hostilities should stop not only in Iran but also involving allied groups in the region.
US troop withdrawal
Another key demand is the “withdrawal of US combat forces from all bases and deployment points in the region,” indicating Tehran’s long-standing position against American military presence in West Asia.
Sanctions relief and compensation
The plan places strong emphasis on economic measures. It calls for “full payment of Iran’s damages according to estimates,” along with “the lifting of all primary and secondary sanctions and resolutions of the Board of Governors and the Security Council.”
It also seeks “the release of all Iranian assets and properties frozen abroad,” which have been a major point of contention for years.
Binding global guarantee
Finally, Iran has demanded that all these terms be formally recognised through “a binding Security Council resolution,” suggesting it wants international legal backing to ensure enforcement.
What this means
The 10-point plan reflects Iran’s broader push for security guarantees, economic relief and regional influence. The upcoming talks in Islamabad are expected to test how far both sides are willing to negotiate on these demands.
