The Centre has finally woken up to address a pressing need expressed by commuters’ who have nowhere to answer nature’s call when commuting across the country’s national highways and expressways network. The government by bringing in a policy for facilities such as clean toilets, baby care rooms etc.
Union minister Nitin Gadkari on Tuesday launched ‘Humsafar Policy’ which 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.
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.
The Humsafar policy shall allow commuters access to standardised, well maintained and hygienic facilities. Commuters will be able to find details of relevant service providers near their location instantly on the Rajmarg Yatra app. Commuters will be empowered to rate the service provided and the facilities, along with being able to raise issues.
Addressing the launch ceremony, Gadkari said the Humsafar brand will become synonymous with utmost safety and comfort for travellers and drivers along the nation’s world-class highway network. He also emphasised on the need to deliver high quality, standardised services across the national highways.
Gadkari said the Modi government remains fully committed to delivering top-notch amenities across our highway network, ensuring a fast and seamless travel experience for all.
These facilities shall provide multiple options of rest and refreshment for the highway commuters during their journey. Some of the facilities being developed at each WSA are fuel stations, food court / restaurants, dhabas, convenience stores, clean and hygienic toilet facilities, drinking water, first aid / medical room including child-care room, dedicated area for promoting local artisans, car bus/truck parking, drone landing facilities / helipad etc.
A senior National Highways Authority of lndia (NHAI) official said the Central road making agency has planned to introduce Humsafar policy to onboard existing and upcoming service providers along the Highways/Expressways under the purview of MoRT&H to improve services for commuters by standardising the facilities provided. This will complement the Wayside Amenities being developed by NHAI on National Highways. The policy aims to benefit all the three stakeholders namely Service Providers, NHAI/MoRT&H and commuters, added the official.
