RFP - National Study on Truck Drivers in India_August'2026

Request for Proposal National Study on Truck Drivers in India_August'2026

Title of the Study: Comprehensive National Study on the Health, Well-being and Occupational Conditions of Truck Drivers in India

Background

India’s road transport sector carries nearly 70% of the country’s freight movement and commercial truck drivers form the backbone of the national economy. Despite their critical contribution, truck drivers remain one of the most underserved occupational groups. Long working hours, irregular schedules, poor living conditions during transit, occupational hazards, limited healthcare access, inadequate social protection, financial insecurity and changing industry dynamics adversely affect their health, productivity and quality of life. Apollo Tyres Foundation (ATF) is the Corporate Social Responsibility arm of Apollo Tyres Ltd. ATF works towards enhancing stakeholder value through sustainable and scalable social development initiatives aligned with the Company's business objectives and ESG commitments. ATF has been implementing healthcare interventions for the trucking community since 2000 through a network of healthcare centres across India, delivering preventive, promotive and curative healthcare services. Purpose of the Study The purpose of this study is to generate nationally representative evidence on the multidimensional challenges faced by truck drivers in India and develop actionable recommendations for improving their health, safety, welfare, productivity and quality of life. The study should go beyond disease prevalence and examine the broader determinants influencing health, including occupational, economic, social, behavioural, environmental and policy-related factors.

Overall Objective:

To comprehensively assess the health status, occupational conditions, socio-economic circumstances, healthcare access, and overall quality of life of truck drivers in India, and identify the key factors influencing their health, well-being, productivity and livelihood for informing evidence-based policies and interventions.

Specific Objectives:

1. Economical & Social Protection

Assess employment stability and welfare coverage: Evaluate working conditions, job security, income dynamics and driver awareness/utilization of government social security and health schemes (e.g., e-Shram, PM-JAY, Ayushman Bharat).

2. Health & Wellbeing

Evaluate physical and mental health status: Assess overall physical, psychological, and social health outcomes (including burnout and stress) as well as drivers' healthcare-seeking behaviours and access to medical care.

3. Occupational Hazards & Living Conditions

Examine working environment and transit infrastructure: Investigate driving hours, rest patterns, ergonomics, fatigue, environmental hazards, and substance use, alongside the availability and quality of highway facilities (parking, sanitation, water, and rest zones).

4. Regional Variations, Aspirations & Policy Roadmap

Map corridor variations and formulate stakeholder recommendations: Identify regional/corridor-wise differences, document drivers' future career perceptions and formulate evidence-based policy roadmaps for government bodies, fleet owners, healthcare providers and industry associations.

Scope of Work

The proposed study will undertake a comprehensive, pan-India assessment of the health, occupational, socio-economic and living conditions of truck drivers using a mixed-method research approach. The assignment will include an extensive review of existing literature, stakeholder consultations, development of a robust research framework, study protocol, sampling strategy and survey instruments, followed by pilot testing and refinement of tools. The agency will conduct nationally representative quantitative surveys, qualitative research (including focus group discussions, in-depth interviews, and key informant interviews) and field observations across major transport corridors, logistics hubs and truck halt points to assess physical, mental and occupational health, employment conditions, healthcare access, utilisation of government welfare schemes, transit infrastructure, road safety, working conditions and quality of life. The study will also examine the social, economic, behavioural, environmental and systemic determinants influencing truck drivers' health and productivity, analyse regional variations and benchmark findings against national and international best practices. In addition, the agency will undertake GIS mapping of critical support infrastructure, estimate the economic burden of poor health and occupational risks, develop a Truck Driver Health & Well-being Index and identify gaps in existing policies, programmes and CSR interventions. The assignment will culminate in the preparation of a comprehensive national report, policy briefs, state and corridor-specific fact sheets, advocacy materials, dissemination workshops and evidence-based recommendations for governments, industry, healthcare providers and CSR organisations to strengthen policies and interventions aimed at improving the health, safety, welfare and overall quality of life of truck drivers in India.

1. Submission Instructions

Proposals must be submitted by email to the contact designated below:

Email Address:

To: [contact details removed]

Cc: [contact details removed]

Subject Line: Proposal Submission: National Study on Truck Drivers – [Agency Name]

For detailed information, please check the complete version of the RFP attached below.

Download Attachment: RFP_National Study on Truck Drivers in India_August'2026.docx

Organisation: Apollo Tyres Foundation

Listed on the SAMS-STC social-sector RFP board.