On October 8, 2024, Shri Nitin Gadkari, the Union Minister of Road Transport & Highways, introduced the ‘Humsafar Policy’ in New Delhi, with Shri Ajay Tamta, Minister of State for Road Transport and Highways, also present. This policy aims to improve travel convenience on National Highways and promote the development of Wayside Amenities.
During the launch, Shri Nitin Gadkari emphasized the benefits to local marginalized communities, highlighting that the policy will ensure smoother, safer, and more enjoyable travel experiences. He noted that the initiative is environmentally friendly, focusing on ecological balance and cleanliness. Considerations such as water and soil conservation, waste recycling, and the use of solar energy were integral to the policy’s design.
The Minister urged petrol pump operators along the highways to adhere to standards for providing basic amenities. The policy includes requirements for facilities like food courts, cafeterias, fuel stations, electric vehicle charging points, parking areas, toilets, baby care rooms, ATMs, vehicle repair shops, and pharmacies, ensuring a better experience for highway users.
The Humsafar Policy offers a structured approach to providing standardized, well-maintained, and hygienic services along National Highways and Expressways by engaging both existing and new service providers. Eateries, fuel stations, and trauma centres are eligible to register under this policy. Registered providers will benefit from fee waivers for renewal of existing access permissions and are permitted to install signage along the highways to enhance visibility. Additionally, they will be featured on the NHAI’s ‘Rajmarg Yatra’ mobile app, increasing their online presence.
Commuters will also benefit from this policy by gaining access to standardized and clean facilities, with detailed information about nearby service providers available through the ‘Rajmarg Yatra’ app. The app enables users to report issues, rate services, and provide feedback. Service providers maintaining a rating of 3 or higher will qualify for a waiver of renewal fees.
The policy includes stringent measures for the ‘Monitoring & Inspection’ of registered providers to ensure quality services for commuters. Regular inspections will be conducted by a third-party agency, with alerts sent via email or SMS to providers whose ratings fall below an average of 3 stars, triggering more frequent inspections for such facilities.
Overall, the Humsafar Policy is expected to establish world-class services along the National Highways, standardizing high-quality facilities for travellers and improving the overall experience of National Highway users.
Cover Photo: pib.gov.in
