New Delhi: Union Minister of Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari launched the 'Humsafar Policy' in New Delhi on October 8th, 2024, aimed at improving travel convenience on national highways and accelerating the development of wayside amenities. Minister of State for Road Transport and Highways Ajay Tamta was also present at the event.

During the unveiling, Nitin Gadkari emphasised that the policy will benefit local marginalised sections of society. He stated that the initiative will facilitate smooth, safe, and pleasant journeys for highway users, while being eco-friendly. The policy has been designed with a focus on environmental conservation, including aspects like water conservation, soil conservation, waste recycling, and the use of solar energy.

Gadkari instructed ministry officials to ensure high-quality service to passengers through the implementation of the policy. He added that several Green Highways under the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) have been planned with these amenities in mind.

He also called on petrol pump owners along highways to ensure the provision of basic amenities as per the policy’s norms. Services such as food courts, cafeterias, fuel stations, electric vehicle charging stations, parking facilities, toilets, baby care rooms, ATMs, vehicle repair shops, and pharmacies will be provided to enhance the commuter experience.

Ajay Tamta highlighted that under Nitin Gadkari's leadership, 1.5 lakh km of national highways have been developed. He praised the Prime Minister’s vision and the Ministry’s guidance in transforming the country’s infrastructure despite various challenges.

The policy aims to establish a comprehensive framework for ensuring access to standardized, well-maintained, and hygienic facilities for commuters. Both existing and new service providers, including eateries, fuel stations, and trauma centres, are eligible to register under the Humsafar Policy. Registered providers will benefit from fee waivers for access permission renewals and will be allowed to display signage along the highways to increase visibility. Additionally, they will be featured on the NHAI's 'Rajmarg Yatra' mobile app to boost their online presence.

Commuters will benefit from access to standardized facilities and the ability to locate nearby services through the app, which will also allow them to report issues and rate the services provided. Service providers who maintain an average rating of 3 stars or higher will continue to enjoy the waiver on renewal fees.

The policy outlines rigorous monitoring and inspection procedures to maintain facility standards. A third-party agency will conduct regular inspections, with alerts sent to service providers whose ratings fall below an average of 3 stars. Facilities with low ratings will be subject to more frequent inspections.

The Humsafar Policy is expected to establish world-class services along national highways, improving the overall travel experience for highway users by standardizing high-quality facilities.

The event was attended by senior officials from the Ministry, NHAI, and National Highways Logistics Management Limited (NHLML), along with representatives from wayside amenities developers, hospitality companies, oil marketing companies, EV charging companies, consultants, and academicians. 

BI Bureau