Union Minister of Road Transport and Highways Shri Nitin Gadkari Unveils 'Humsafar Policy' for Onboarding Service Providers for Wayside Amenities Along the National Highways

Union Minister of Road Transport & Highways Shri Nitin Gadkari launched today the ‘Humsafar Policy’ in New Delhi to enhance the convenience of traveling on National Highways and accelerate the development of the Wayside Amenities in the presence of Shri Ajay Tamta, Minister of State for Road Transport and Highways.

Speaking at the unveiling, Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways, Shri Nitin Gadkari said local marginal sections of the society will benefit from this initiative. He underscored that this scheme will help in the facilitation of a smooth, safe, and pleasant journey for users. It will be environment friendly and has been prepared to keep the ecology and cleanliness in perspective. He also said that water conservation, soil conservation, waste recycling, solar energy, etc have been kept in mind while formulating this policy.

Union Minister Sh. Nitin Gadkari asked the officials of the ministry to ensure quality service to the passengers through this policy. A number of Green Highways of NHAI have been planned while keeping several amenities in perspective, he further added.

He called upon petrol pump owners alongside NHs to ensure basic amenities at the petrol pump as per norms. He also said that the Food court, cafeteria, Fuel station, Electric Vehicle Charging Station, parking facilities, Toilet facility, Baby Care room, ATM, Vehicle repair shop, and Pharmacy services under this policy will ensure a better experience for NH users.

Speaking on the occasion, Shri Ajay Tamta, Minister of State for Road Transport and Highways said that under the guidance of Shri Nitin Gadkari National Highways of 1.5 lakh KMs have been laid down. Prime Minister’s vision and Union Road Transport and Highways minister’s guidance are changing the course of infrastructure in this country despite several odds, he further added.

The ‘Humsafar’ policy will also benefit commuters by enabling access to standardized, 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. The app will also empower commuters to report issues and rate the service provided and facilities. Registered service providers will be able to avail a waiver of renewal fees for access permissions if they maintain an average rating of 3 or higher.

The policy also outlines rigorous provisions for ‘Monitoring & Inspection’ of the registered service providers for maintaining the standard of the facilities and ensuring quality services to the commuters. Regular inspections will be conducted by a third-party agency appointed by the authority. Email/ SMS alerts shall be sent to service providers in case their ratings fall below an average of 3 stars and more frequent inspections will be carried out on such facilities with low scores.

The ‘Humsafar Policy’ will go a long way in establishing world-class services along the National Highways by standardizing high-quality facilities for commuters and enhancing the overall travel experience of the National Highway users.

The event was attended by Sh. D. Sarangi, Director General & Special Secretary in the Ministry, Sh. Santosh Kumar Yadav Chairman of NHAI, and senior officers of the ministry and NHAI, NHLML with representatives of Wayside Amenities Developers, Hospitality companies, Oil Marketing Companies, EV charging companies, consultants and academicians.

The complete policy can be read at: -
https://static.pib.gov.in/WriteReadData/specificdocs/documents/2024/oct/doc2024108411501.pdf