National highways, Union Road Transport Nitin Gadkari
Credit: PTI Photo
New Delhi: Aimed at providing wayside amenities along national highways, Union Road Transport Nitin Gadkari on Tuesday launched ‘Humsafar Policy. '
The Humsafar Policy will see the introduction of facilities, such as clean toilets, baby care rooms, provisions for wheelchairs, EV charging stations, parking spaces, and dormitory services at fuel stations along highways, according to a statement.
The policy will also offer a convenient, safe, and enjoyable experience for highway users, while empowering entrepreneurs, generating jobs, and enhancing livelihoods for service providers, as per the statement.
Despite several facilities exist along highways such as dhabas, food courts and petrol pumps, these services are not standardised, and there is limited monitoring of the quality of services. The 'Humsafar' policy will ensure all existing and upcoming service providers to improve services for commuters by standardized the facilities provided, said the statement.
Addressing the launch ceremony, Union Minister of Road Transport and Highways Gadkari said local marginal sections of the society will be benefitted from this initiative.
The Minister underscored that this scheme will help in facilitation of smooth, safe and pleasant journey for users.
The Road Transport Ministry officials said that at least 950 wayside amenities are planned for mainly on the high-speed corridors and other highways having four lanes or more. Approximately one such facility centre would be established every 40-60 km along highways. These facilities will offer multiple options for rest and refreshment for the commuters, said the officials
Under the scheme, the service provider will be given permission and space on National Highways to put up signage regarding their establishment. This will increase the visibility.
The presence of a service provider on the Rajmarg platform (mobile application) by NHAI will boost their online visibility, said the statement