India Refrigerated Truck Market By Truck Type (Light, Medium, Heavy), By Temperature Compartment (Single, Multiple), By Application (Food and Beverage, Pharmaceutical, Chemical, Others), By Region, Competition, Forecast & Opportunities, 2021-2031F

Market Overview

India Refrigerated Truck Market was valued at USD 635.7 Million in 2025 and is expected to reach USD 738.1 Million by 2031 with a CAGR of 7.55% during the forecast period. The Refrigerated Truck market in India has experienced considerable growth in recent years, driven by the increasing demand for transporting perishable goods such as fruits, vegetables, dairy products, and pharmaceuticals. With the country’s growing population and rising disposable income, the consumption of perishable items is on the rise, creating a greater need for cold chain logistics solutions. This trend is fueled by the expansion of the food and beverage industry, the pharmaceutical sector, and the e-commerce space. As consumer preferences shift towards fresh and organic foods, Refrigerated Trucks have become an essential part of the supply chain to ensure product quality, safety, and timely delivery.

One of the key growth drivers of the Refrigerated Truck market in India is the continuous improvement in cold chain infrastructure. The Indian government has recognized the importance of a robust cold chain system for maintaining the quality of temperature-sensitive goods and reducing wastage. To support this, policies and incentives have been introduced to encourage investments in cold storage and refrigerated transportation. The Indian government has allocated approximately USD 1.3 trillion under the NIP for 2024, focusing on enhancing road networks, industrial corridors, and logistics hubs. This investment is expected to significantly boost demand for trucks, to support logistics activities.

Market Drivers

Government Initiatives for Cold Chain Infrastructure

The Indian government has recognized the importance of cold chain logistics and has taken several steps to enhance infrastructure and ease regulatory barriers. Policies designed to promote cold storage and refrigerated transportation infrastructure include subsidies and tax incentives for companies investing in refrigerated vehicles. These initiatives are creating a conducive environment for growth in the Refrigerated Truck market by reducing barriers to entry for new players and encouraging the expansion of existing businesses. Scheme for Integrated Cold Chain and Value Addition Infrastructure, implemented by the Ministry of Food Processing Industries (MoFPI), this scheme provides grants for creating farm-level infrastructure, processing centers, distribution hubs, and refrigerated trucks. As of February 2024, 372 projects have been approved, creating significant storage and processing capacities.

Growth of E-commerce and Online Grocery Shopping

With the rapid growth of e-commerce, particularly in the food and grocery segment, there has been a surge in demand for refrigerated logistics solutions. Online grocery platforms, which require timely delivery of fresh, perishable products, are increasingly turning to Refrigerated Trucks to meet customer expectations. This growth in e-commerce further stimulates the demand for refrigerated transportation, allowing companies to build efficient cold chain networks to deliver fresh products to customers' doorsteps. As of March 2024, India had 954 million internet subscribers, up from 881 million in March 2023, indicating a robust growth in digital connectivity. The number of e-commerce consumers in India is projected to reach 400 million by 2027, up from 312.5 million in 2022, highlighting the expanding digital shopper base.

Rising Focus on Food Safety and Quality

Food safety regulations and increasing consumer awareness about the importance of quality have pushed businesses to adopt more stringent standards for transporting perishable goods. As foodborne diseases and spoilage become greater concerns, companies are increasingly investing in Refrigerated Trucks to ensure their products remain safe, fresh, and hygienic. This rising focus on food safety is encouraging businesses in the food, dairy, and pharmaceutical industries to implement better cold chain practices, thus driving demand for refrigerated transportation solutions. According to industry experts Post-harvest losses of fruits and vegetables remain a concern, with estimates ranging from 4.58% to 15.88%. Enhancing cold chain infrastructure can significantly reduce these losses and improve food security. The consumption of frozen vegetables and snacks has surpassed 1 million metric tons annually. Additionally, the pharmaceutical industry requires frozen temperature logistics for certain vaccines and biological products, further driving the demand for cold chain solutions.

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Key Market Challenges

Inconsistent Cold Chain Infrastructure

While India’s cold chain infrastructure has improved in recent years, it remains inconsistent in various regions. Inadequate cold storage facilities and poor transportation networks in rural areas or less-developed regions can disrupt the seamless movement of perishable goods. This gap in infrastructure results in spoilage, quality degradation, and potential losses for businesses, as goods may not be transported at the required temperatures. Companies may struggle to maintain the necessary standards of temperature control throughout the supply chain.

Regulatory Compliance and Bureaucratic Delays

The regulatory landscape for refrigerated transport in India can be complex and prone to delays. The requirement for various permits, licenses, and adherence to strict guidelines regarding safety and temperature control can result in increased time and costs for companies. Companies may also face challenges when dealing with interstate transportation laws or navigating customs regulations for cross-border trade, which can hinder the smooth flow of goods. Meeting these regulatory requirements adds another layer of complexity to the logistics of refrigerated transportation.

Key Market Trends

Growth of Cold Chain Solutions for Pharmaceuticals

The pharmaceutical sector is seeing an increasing demand for Refrigerated Trucks, particularly for the transport of temperature-sensitive drugs like vaccines, biologics, and certain medical supplies. As India becomes a global hub for pharmaceutical production and export, the need for more efficient and compliant refrigerated transportation solutions has grown. Companies are investing in temperature-controlled logistics solutions to ensure that pharmaceutical products maintain their efficacy during transportation. This trend is expected to continue as the global demand for pharmaceutical products rises.

Shift Towards Energy-Efficient Refrigerated Trucks

With rising fuel costs and the growing emphasis on sustainability, energy-efficient Refrigerated Trucks are becoming more popular. These Refrigerated Trucks feature improved refrigeration systems that consume less energy while maintaining the necessary temperature control. The shift towards electric or hybrid Refrigerated Trucks is gaining momentum, as they offer a more sustainable alternative to traditional diesel-powered vehicles. Manufacturers are innovating to provide energy-efficient solutions that align with the growing need for environmental sustainability in the logistics industry.

Adoption of IoT and GPS Tracking Systems

The integration of Internet of Things (IoT) devices and GPS tracking in Refrigerated Trucks is transforming how temperature-sensitive goods are monitored and managed during transit. IoT-enabled sensors allow businesses to track and monitor the temperature inside the Refrigerated Truck in real time, ensuring that goods are transported under optimal conditions. These technologies provide better visibility into the supply chain, allowing for immediate responses in case of any temperature deviations. GPS tracking also aids in route optimization, reducing fuel consumption and improving delivery timelines.

Focus on Smart Refrigeration Systems

The development of smart refrigeration systems that can automatically adjust temperature settings based on real-time conditions is another significant trend. These advanced systems utilize sensors and data analytics to continuously monitor and adjust temperatures, ensuring that goods are kept within the required range. Such systems help optimize energy usage, improve the overall efficiency of refrigerated transport, and provide real-time data for businesses to track the condition of their shipments. As consumer demand for high-quality, fresh products rises, these smart refrigeration technologies will become a critical aspect of the cold chain industry.

Segmental Insights

Truck Type Insights

The Refrigerated Truck market in India is categorized into light, medium, and heavy Refrigerated Truck types, each serving distinct needs in the logistics and transportation industry. Light Refrigerated Trucks are primarily used for short-distance transportation and are suitable for small to medium-sized loads. These Refrigerated Trucks are commonly employed in urban and suburban areas, where the demand for quick deliveries of perishable goods such as fruits, vegetables, dairy products, and pharmaceuticals is high. Due to their compact size and ease of maneuverability, light Refrigerated Trucks are often used for deliveries to retail outlets, small businesses, and residential locations. Their cost-effectiveness makes them a popular choice for businesses looking to optimize operational efficiency for smaller shipments.

Medium Refrigerated Trucks cater to businesses with higher transportation needs, capable of carrying larger loads over longer distances compared to their light counterparts. These Refrigerated Trucks are typically used for regional transportation and are well-suited for both urban and rural areas. They handle a wide variety of perishable goods, including packaged food products and bulk deliveries to supermarkets or distribution centers. Medium Refrigerated Trucks offer a balance between payload capacity and operational cost, making them ideal for businesses that need to deliver goods in both dense city areas and less accessible regions. Their versatility and moderate size enable them to cover more extensive routes while maintaining flexibility in the supply chain. Heavy Refrigerated Trucks, on the other hand, are designed for long-distance transportation and large-scale operations. These Refrigerated Trucks are used for transporting bulk quantities of perishable goods, such as large shipments of frozen food or industrial-scale pharmaceutical products. They are primarily deployed in intercity and interstate transport, where long-haul capacity is essential.

The heavy Refrigerated Trucks' robust refrigeration systems and larger cargo holds allow them to carry higher volumes over extended distances, often involving significant infrastructure for cold storage. Heavy Refrigerated Trucks are typically used by large-scale logistics operators or companies involved in national distribution networks. The demand for these Refrigerated Trucks is influenced by the need to move substantial quantities of goods quickly across the country while maintaining product quality.

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Regional Insights

North 

North India leads in refrigerated truck demand due to its concentration of agri-based economies and large-scale horticultural production. States like Punjab, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh are major contributors to the country’s supply of fruits, vegetables, and dairy products, which require temperature-controlled logistics to reduce post-harvest losses. The region has also witnessed significant investment in integrated cold chain infrastructure under government schemes such as the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Sampada Yojana, facilitating access to refrigerated transport for rural producers and food processors. Urban centers like Delhi and NCR serve as large consumption hubs, further increasing demand for efficient cold logistics. Seasonal temperature extremes in the north necessitate reliable refrigerated trucking to maintain product integrity during transit, reinforcing the region's dependence on cold transport solutions.

South 

South India, on the other hand, plays a pivotal role in the refrigerated truck market due to its well-developed food processing industry, expanding pharmaceutical sector, and strong export-oriented agriculture. Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, and Telangana are at the forefront of frozen and processed food production, requiring sophisticated temperature-controlled logistics networks. The southern region also hosts several pharmaceutical hubs that depend on specialized refrigerated transport for biologics, vaccines, and other temperature-sensitive drugs. High urbanization rates in cities like Bengaluru, Hyderabad, and Chennai drive sustained consumption of fresh produce, dairy, seafood, and ready-to-eat products all of which require reliable refrigerated logistics. The southern states have been more aggressive in adopting IoT-enabled monitoring systems and energy-efficient refrigeration technologies, making their logistics networks more advanced and efficient.

Recent Developments

• In 2024, Mahindra introduced the Pik-Up S4 Refrigeration Van in 2024, designed to cater to the growing demand for refrigerated transportation in urban and semi-urban areas. This vehicle is equipped with a robust refrigeration system capable of maintaining low temperatures, making it suitable for transporting perishable goods such as dairy products, fruits, and pharmaceuticals. The Pik-Up S4 offers a balance between payload capacity and fuel efficiency, addressing the needs of small and medium-sized businesses requiring reliable cold chain logistics solution.
• In 2025, Tata Motors commenced trials for India's first hydrogen-powered heavy-duty Refrigerated Trucks, marking a significant step towards sustainable transportation. The trial involves 16 Refrigerated Trucks utilizing Hydrogen Internal Combustion Engine (H2-ICE) and Fuel Cell Electric Vehicle (FCEV) technologies. These vehicles are being tested across key freight corridors to assess their performance and viability for long-distance cargo transportation. The initiative aligns with India's net-zero emissions goal and demonstrates Tata Motors' commitment to advancing green mobility solutions in the commercial vehicle sector.
• In 2025, Mahindra & Mahindra announced the acquisition of a 58.96% stake in SML Isuzu, a move aimed at strengthening its position in the >3.5-tonne commercial vehicle segment. This acquisition is expected to double Mahindra's market share in this segment to 6% and set a target of 10–12% by FY2031 and over 20% by FY2036. The integration of SML Isuzu's capabilities will enhance Mahindra's product offerings and manufacturing efficiency.
• In 2024, Ashok Leyland delivered a significant order of electric Refrigerated Trucks to Billion Electric Mobility, marking a milestone in India's electric vehicle adoption. The fleet includes AVTR 55T Electric Tractors and BOSS Electric Refrigerated Trucks, designed for middle and last-mile transportation. These vehicles are equipped with advanced features and are expected to operate on major routes such as Chennai-Bengaluru and Chennai-Vijayawada. This development underscores Ashok Leyland's focus on expanding its electric vehicle portfolio to meet the evolving demands of the logistics industry.

Key Market Players

• Mahindra & Mahindra Limited
• Tata Motors Limited
• Ashok Leyland Limited
• Volvo Group India Private Limited
• Eicher Motors Limited
• Daimler India Commercial Vehicles Pvt. Ltd.
• SML Isuzu Limited
• Scania Commercial Vehicles India Pvt. Ltd.
• Isuzu Motors India Private Limited
• Force Motors Limited

Report Scope:

In this report, the India Refrigerated Truck Market has been segmented into the following categories, in addition to the industry trends which have also been detailed below:

•          India Refrigerated Truck Market, By Truck Type:

o   Light

o   Medium

o   Heavy

•          India Refrigerated Truck Market, By Temperature Compartment:

o    Single

o    Multiple

•         India Refrigerated Truck Market, By Application:

o    Food and Beverage

o    Pharmaceutical

o    Chemical.

o    Others

•         India Refrigerated Truck Market, By Region:

o    North

o    West

o    South

o    East

Competitive Landscape

Company Profiles: Detailed analysis of the major companies presents in the India Refrigerated Truck Market.

Available Customizations:

India Refrigerated Truck Market report with the given market data, TechSci Research offers customizations according to the company’s specific needs. The following customization options are available for the report:

Company Information

• Detailed analysis and profiling of additional market players (up to five).

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