Published By: Soham Halder

Smoother Rides Ahead: Nitin Gadkari Unveils 'Humsafar Policy' to Transform Highway Travel, Check Key Insights

Now, your highway travel will become more safer with the implementation of 'Humsafar Policy’!

Union Minister of Road Transport & Highways, Mr Nitin Gadkari has launched the Humsafar Policy with an aim of upgrading the infrastructure along the national highways across India. Let's discuss key insights about this newly launched policy.

About Humsafar Policy:

It is a comprehensive initiative to transform India's overall highway network by providing a wide range of necessary services. The major objective is to provide more comfortable and convenient road travel. Following are some key features of this policy.

 

(Credit - X/@nitin_gadkari)

Hygienic Toilets: At regular intervals throughout the highways, “hygienic and well-maintained toilets” will be set up. This will ensure travellers get access to appropriate sanitation.

Baby Care Facilities: The government will establish dedicated rooms for baby care with essential equipment. This will benefit families traveling with kids.

Wheelchair for Disabled People: Government has a provision of providing wheelchair accessibility at regular intervals for differently-abled travellers.

More Fuel Stations: Considering the number of vehicles and trips conducted daily on Indian highways, fuel stations are not adequate in number. Thus, government will set up mode fuel stations across the highways.

Proper Parking Facilities: For smooth traffic movement, efficient parking facility is a must. Through Humsafar Policy, the government will build more parking facilities attached with fuel stations. For truck drivers or travellers, government is planning to set up more dormitories across the highways.

EV Charging Stations: There has been a steady rise in electric vehicles in India over the last few years. However, there is a serious shortage of charging stations on highways. Thus, government will install EV charging stations at strategic points throughout the highway network.

More Eateries: Through Humsafar Policy, the government will establish more restaurants along the highways to offer travellers refreshments and quality food during journeys.

A Boost for Local Economy:

Along with enhanced travel experience, Humsafar Policy is anticipated to boost local economies. Restaurants, dormitories and fuel stations will generate more employment opportunities. After the launch, the Union Minister said: “local marginal sections of the society will be benefitted from this initiative”.

“Registered service providers will benefit from waiver of fees for renewal for existing access permission and will be provided space on National Highways to put up signages of their establishment to increase visibility. In addition, the service providers will be featured on NHAI ‘Rajmarg Yatra’, mobile app to boost their online visibility,” mentioned the press release.

 

 

Credit - X/@IndianTechGuide)

A Broad Overview:

Lethargy and lack of sleep are often considered as main reasons behind highway accidents. By providing restrooms and clean toilet, the government is focusing on improving passenger safety. At the same time, installation of EV charging station is a welcome move to prepare roads future ready. The Ministry of Road Transport & Highways is also aiming to achieve the international standards for expressways. Thus, the inauguration of the Humsafar Policy is indeed a significant milestone in nation's efforts to improve services.

 

(Credit: X/@DDNewslive)

“Water conservation, soil conservation, waste recycling, solar energy have been kept in mind while formulating this policy,” said Mr Nitin Gadkari.

Meanwhile, the government has already implemented numerous technological improvements in recent times throughout National Highways of India. These transformative steps are believed to enhance expressway safety and journey experience for travellers.