Union Minister of Road Transport and Highways, Nitin Gadkari, launched the ‘Humsafar Policy’ today in New Delhi with the goal of enhancing the travel experience on National Highways and speeding up the development of Wayside Amenities across the nation. This new policy is designed to offer greater convenience to highway travelers while contributing to the overall growth of infrastructure and services along major roadways.
Speaking at the event, Gadkari highlighted that the policy is expected to greatly benefit the local marginal sections of society by creating new opportunities for employment and business along the highways. He emphasized that the scheme will not only facilitate a smooth, safe, and comfortable journey for highway users but also promote eco-friendly practices.
According to him, the Humsafar Policy has been carefully designed with a focus on environmental sustainability, cleanliness, and community welfare. The inclusion of elements such as water conservation, soil conservation, waste recycling, and the use of solar energy were key considerations in the development of this initiative.
Gadkari also urged officials within his ministry to ensure that passengers receive high-quality services through the policy’s implementation. He explained that a number of Green Highways have been planned by the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) that will incorporate various necessary amenities to provide travelers with an enhanced experience.
He further added that these amenities are aimed at improving both the safety and the comfort of users, ensuring they have a more pleasant and convenient journey while traveling on these roads. In addition to this, Gadkari called upon petrol pump owners located along National Highways to ensure that they comply with the required norms and provide basic amenities at their fuel stations.
As per the Humsafar Policy, facilities such as food courts, cafeterias, fuel stations, electric vehicle charging stations, parking lots, clean toilets, baby care rooms, ATMs, vehicle repair shops, and pharmacy services will now be made available at regular intervals along highways. These additions are expected to significantly improve the overall travel experience for highway users.
Ajay Tamta, the Minister of State for Road Transport and Highways, also spoke at the event. He applauded the leadership of Nitin Gadkari and highlighted that under his guidance, over 1.5 lakh kilometers of National Highways have been constructed. Tamta emphasized that the Prime Minister’s vision, coupled with Gadkari’s strategic direction, has been instrumental in transforming the country’s infrastructure landscape, despite various challenges.
The Humsafar Policy aims to create a standardized framework that ensures commuters have access to well-maintained, hygienic, and reliable services during their journeys. The policy will encourage the registration of both existing and upcoming service providers, such as eateries, fuel stations, and trauma centers, along National Highways and Expressways.
Service providers that register under the Humsafar Policy will enjoy benefits such as fee waivers for renewing existing access permissions and opportunities to enhance their visibility by displaying signage along highways. Moreover, these service providers will be featured on NHAI’s ‘Rajmarg Yatra’ mobile app, helping them increase their online presence and attract more customers.
