Why 75 Countries, Including India, Stick to Right-Hand Drive: The Surprising Colonial Legacy

If you’ve ever wondered why vehicles in India have steering wheels on the right and drive on the left side of the road, the answer lies in a mix of history, practicality, and modern economic strategy.

India is among nearly 75 countries that follow the left-side driving system, meaning the driver sits on the right-hand side of the vehicle. Together, these nations account for roughly a third of the world’s population.

A Legacy of the British Era

The origins of this system date back to British colonial rule in India during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. When automobiles were first introduced, the British had already standardized left-side traffic across their empire, and India followed suit.

Interestingly, the practice itself goes back even further. In medieval Europe, travelers and horse riders tended to keep left so their right hand — often the sword hand — remained free to defend themselves. Britain formalized this custom into traffic law, and as the empire expanded, so did the rule of driving on the left.

British engineers designed India’s early road networks, traffic systems, and vehicle standards around this format, firmly embedding the system into the country’s infrastructure.

Why India Didn’t Switch After Independence

When India gained independence in 1947, it technically had the option to switch to right-side driving like the United States and much of Europe. However, such a move would have been enormously expensive and risky.

Changing driving sides would have required:

• Redesigning road layouts and signage

• Modifying millions of vehicles

• Rebuilding driver training systems

• Overhauling automobile manufacturing

Experts agree that the disruption and cost would have outweighed any potential benefit. Sticking with the existing system was the safer and more practical decision.

India Not Alone in the System

India shares this driving format with countries such as the United Kingdom, Japan, Australia, South Africa, and several South and Southeast Asian nations. This has created a large global market for right-hand drive (RHD) vehicles.

From Colonial Habit to Economic Advantage

What began as a colonial legacy has turned into a strategic advantage for India’s automobile industry.

Over decades, Indian manufacturers have built extensive expertise in producing right-hand drive vehicles. Factories, supply chains, and skilled labor are all optimized for this system. As a result, India has become a major exporter of cars to other RHD countries.

Because vehicles don’t need major redesigns for these markets, Indian automakers can:

• Reduce production costs

• Speed up delivery times

• Stay competitive in global pricing

This efficiency has helped India emerge as a key manufacturing hub for right-hand drive vehicles worldwide.

History Still Steering the Present

What started as a British-era rule has quietly shaped India’s modern transport and trade landscape. Today, that historical decision not only influences daily driving habits but also fuels a significant part of the country’s automotive export success.

Sometimes, history doesn’t just stay in the past — it keeps moving forward, right along with the traffic.