Union Minister of Road Transport and Highways, Nitin Gadkari, on October 8, 2024, launched the ‘Humsafar Policy’ in New Delhi, aimed at enhancing the convenience of traveling on National Highways and accelerating the development of wayside amenities. The event took place in the presence of Ajay Tamta, Minister of State for Road Transport and Highways.
Speaking at the unveiling, Nitin Gadkari emphasised that this initiative will benefit local marginalised sections of society. He noted that the policy is designed to facilitate a smooth, safe, and pleasant journey for highway users. The policy is environmentally friendly, with a focus on ecology and cleanliness. Water conservation, soil conservation, waste recycling, and solar energy were considered in the policy formulation.
Gadkari also directed ministry officials to ensure quality service to passengers through this policy. He mentioned that several amenities have been planned for Green Highways under NHAI. Additionally, he urged petrol pump owners along National Highways to ensure basic amenities at their stations, as per regulations. Under the policy, food courts, cafeterias, fuel stations, electric vehicle charging stations, parking facilities, toilet facilities, baby care rooms, ATMs, vehicle repair shops, and pharmacies will be provided, ensuring a better experience for highway users.
Ajay Tamta, Minister of State for Road Transport and Highways, praised Gadkari’s leadership, stating that under his guidance, 1.5 lakh kilometers of National Highways have been developed. He added that despite various challenges, Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision and Gadkari’s guidance are transforming the nation’s infrastructure.
On the occasion, both Nitin Gadkari and Ajay Tamta visited an exhibition displayed on the theme of wayside amenities.
The ‘Humsafar Policy’ aims to provide a comprehensive framework to ensure that commuters have access to standardised, well-maintained, and hygienic facilities by onboarding both existing and upcoming service providers along National Highways and Expressways. Service providers in categories such as eateries, fuel stations, and trauma centers will be eligible to register under the policy. Benefits for registered service providers include a waiver of fees for renewal of existing access permissions and the provision of space on National Highways for signage to increase visibility. Additionally, registered providers will be featured on the NHAI’s ‘Rajmarg Yatra’ mobile app, boosting their online visibility.
The ‘Humsafar Policy’ will benefit commuters by providing easy access to standardised facilities. Commuters will be able to locate relevant service providers near their location using the ‘Rajmarg Yatra’ app, which will also allow them to report issues and rate services. Service providers maintaining an average rating of 3 or higher will continue to benefit from the waiver of renewal fees.
The policy includes rigorous provisions for monitoring and inspecting registered service providers to ensure high standards and quality services. Regular inspections will be conducted by a third-party agency appointed by the authority. Service providers will receive email/SMS alerts if their ratings fall below an average of 3-stars, and more frequent inspections will be conducted on such facilities.
The ‘Humsafar Policy’ is set to establish world-class services along National Highways, improving the overall travel experience for commuters by standardising high-quality facilities.
The event was attended by D. Sarangi, Director General and Special Secretary in the Ministry, Santosh Kumar Yadav, Chairman of NHAI, senior officers from the Ministry, NHAI, and NHLML, as well as representatives from wayside amenities developers, hospitality companies, oil marketing companies, EV charging companies, consultants, and academicians.