Drivers who are due to retire from the Army have all the makings to become good truck drivers in civilian society, according to HCV maker Mahindra Navistar Automotives Ltd (MNAL). The company has embarked upon an initiative to train ex-servicemen for the job.
Over the last one year, the Chakan-based truck manufacturer has already trained 300 ex-Army drivers from Pune and plans on extending this programme to four other cities where Engineering Group Resettlement Cells (part of Army Welfare Association) are present.
“These cells are present in Pune, Bangalore, Roorkee and Dehradun. We want to extend this to at least two other centres in the country with a view to train around 50 drivers a month this year,” said Mr Nalin Mehta, MD.
He added that the four-day training capsule is free of cost to drivers. Drivers in the Army retire at age 40, and many hold valid HCV licences.