Around the world, nearly 75 countries follow a right-hand-drive (RHD) system, where vehicles have the steering wheel on the right side and traffic moves on the left. While this may seem unusual to people accustomed to left-hand-drive cars, this system is followed by almost 30 percent of the global population. India is one of the most prominent nations using right-hand steering, along with countries such as the United Kingdom, Japan, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, Thailand, and several South Asian neighbors including Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal, and Sri Lanka.

What began as a historical practice has today become a strategic advantage for India—particularly in terms of road safety, infrastructure compatibility, and global automobile exports.

Historical origins of right-hand driving in India

The roots of right-hand steering in India can be traced back to the British colonial era. Motor vehicles were introduced in the country in the late 19th century, during a time when Britain already followed the tradition of driving on the left side of the road. This practice itself dates back centuries.

Historians believe that in medieval Europe, people rode horses on the left side so they could keep their dominant right hand free to carry weapons or greet others safely. Over time, this convention became formalized in Britain. When the British Empire expanded, it introduced the same traffic system in its colonies, including India.

As a result, India’s early road infrastructure, traffic signs, and vehicle designs were all developed around left-side driving and right-hand steering. This system became deeply embedded in the country’s transport framework long before independence.

Why India retained the system after independence

After gaining independence in 1947, India technically had the option to switch to a left-hand-drive system like the United States and most European nations. However, the government chose to continue with the existing arrangement.

The reasons were largely practical. By that time, India had already built extensive road networks, traffic rules, driver training systems, and vehicle manufacturing processes based on right-hand steering. Changing the entire system would have required massive financial investment, extensive retraining, and significant disruption to daily life. More importantly, such a transition could have caused widespread confusion and increased the risk of road accidents.

Retaining the RHD system ensured continuity, safety, and stability at a crucial stage in the nation’s development.

Economic and industrial benefits for India

Over the decades, India’s decision to stick with right-hand steering has turned into a major economic advantage. Today, India is one of the world’s largest automobile manufacturing hubs, especially for right-hand-drive vehicles.

Because nearly 75 countries require RHD vehicles, India has emerged as a preferred production and export base for these markets. Indian automobile manufacturers and global carmakers operating in the country export vehicles to regions such as the UK, Australia, South Africa, Japan, Thailand, and several African and Asian nations.

Major companies including Maruti Suzuki, Tata Motors, Mahindra & Mahindra, Hyundai, and others have leveraged this advantage. Since these manufacturers focus primarily on a single steering standard, they can reduce design complexity, streamline production, and keep costs competitive.

Lower costs and global competitiveness

Having a standardized right-hand-drive production ecosystem helps reduce manufacturing expenses. Companies do not need to redesign dashboards, steering layouts, or engine placements for multiple markets. This efficiency allows Indian-made vehicles to remain affordable and competitive internationally.

In addition, India has developed a skilled workforce and supplier network tailored to RHD vehicle production, further strengthening its position in global automotive trade.

From colonial legacy to strategic strength

While right-hand steering in India began as a colonial inheritance, it has evolved into a crucial pillar of the country’s industrial and economic growth. The system aligns seamlessly with India’s infrastructure, enhances road safety through familiarity, and gives the nation a strong foothold in global automobile exports.