The ‘Humsafar Policy’, an ambitious initiative by Union Minister of Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari, aims to provide basic amenities like EV charging stations, baby care rooms, and clean restrooms throughout the nation’s network of national highways. This program aims to improve commuters’ travel experiences while encouraging entrepreneurship and generating employment possibilities.
The policy calls for the installation of wheelchair-accessible restrooms, baby care rooms, parking spots, dorm services at gas stations, and many other things. Gadkari stressed that tourists will come to associate the Humsafar brand with comfort and safety, saying, “If one is collecting the toll, then one has to ensure the safety and comfort of travellers.”
The minister emphasized how crucial it is to provide uniform, high-quality services along all national routes. He pointed out that this project will especially help the underprivileged groups in the community, making travel easier, safer, and more enjoyable. Gadkari emphasized the need of water conservation, soil preservation, trash recycling, and solar energy in the policy’s creation. Environmental considerations were also a major focus.
In an effort to guarantee compliance, Gadkari gave gas station owners beside national highways instructions to keep restrooms open for public use and to maintain basic amenities. He warned, “I have seen that at many petrol pumps, the washrooms are locked. It is mandatory for petrol pumps on highways to keep washrooms clean and open for public use. Failure to do so can lead to closure of petrol pumps.”
The government promises a quick and easy travel experience for all users and is dedicated to providing first-rate amenities throughout the highway network. To guarantee facility standards and service quality, licensed service providers are subject to stringent monitoring and inspection requirements outlined in the Humsafar Policy. Third-party organizations will carry out routine inspections, and service providers will be notified if their ratings drop below a three-star average, resulting in more frequent assessments.
On July 19, 2024, the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways authorized the Humsafar Policy, which permits current and prospective service providers to join under four categories: restaurants, gas stations, restaurants at gas stations, and trauma centers. Gadkari emphasized that owners of noncompliant gas stations run the possibility of having their No Objection Certificates (NOCs) for access roads revoked.
Under the new policy, tourists can use the ‘Rajmarg Yatra’ app to report problems and review services in addition to accessing details of service providers close to their location. Providers who consistently earn three stars or more on average will not have to pay renewal costs for access licenses.
Gadkari admitted that highway administrations have been sluggish to respond to the concerns of users of the roads, especially drivers of trucks and buses. He emphasized that it is the ministry’s duty to guarantee comfortable and secure travels, saying, “For hundreds of kilometres there are no good toilet facilities for women. It’s our responsibility to make the journey pleasant and safe, while building roads is our mandate.”
