Policy on highway services rolled out

Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari on Tuesday launched the Humsafar Policy, aimed at enhancing convenience of travelling on national highways by promoting development of wayside amenities.

Minister of State for Road Transport and Highways Ajay Tamta was also present at the launch, held at a hotel here. Gadkari called upon owners of petrol pumps alongside highways to ensure basic amenities.

“I have seen that, at many petrol pumps, 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 the closure of petrol pumps,” he said.

The Modi-led government was committed to delivering top-notch amenities across the highway network, ensuring a fast and seamless travel experience for all, Gadkari added.

He said the introduction of food courts, cafeterias, fuel stations, electric vehicle charging stations, parking facilities, toilet facilities, baby care rooms, ATMs, vehicle repair shops and pharmacy services alongside highways, envisaged under the policy, would ensure a better experience for NH users. According to a statement issued in this regard, the policy also outlines rigorous provisions for the monitoring and inspection of registered service providers in order to maintain the standard of facilities and ensure quality services for commuters.

“Regular inspections will be conducted by a third-party agency appointed by the authority,” the statement read, adding that email/ SMS alerts would be sent to service providers in case their ratings fell below an average of three stars, and more frequent inspections would be carried out at facilities with low scores.

The policy for onboarding service providers of the existing/upcoming facilities along national highways was approved by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways on July 19.