SRINAGAR: The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has issued new guidelines to improve the maintenance, safety and accessibility of toilet facilities and designated parking areas at national highway toll plazas, introducing technology-based monitoring and stricter accountability for agencies responsible for their upkeep.
The guidelines provide for regular inspections, digital tracking of maintenance issues, citizen feedback and financial penalties for poor performance, according to a press release issued by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways.
Under the new framework, existing toilet facilities will undergo technical assessments before renovation, with upgrades covering flooring, plumbing, sanitary fittings, lighting, ventilation, drainage and signage. Cleaning schedules and housekeeping arrangements will be set according to the size of toilet blocks and traffic volumes.
The guidelines also emphasise the safety of women and families, particularly at night. Measures include adequate lighting, CCTV surveillance of approaches and parking areas, sanitary napkin vending machines and clear signage identifying public amenities.
Each covered toll plaza will be required to provide at least one toilet accessible to persons with disabilities, with barrier-free entry, suitable doorways and grab bars.
Parking facilities will also be improved through designated bays and proper drainage, while provision will be made for future electric vehicle charging infrastructure.
Under the technology-based monitoring system, authorities will track water availability, odour, sewage levels, leakages, electricity supply and toilet occupancy. Alerts about water shortages, sewage overflows and equipment failures are intended to help ensure timely repairs.
The monitoring data will be integrated with NHAI’s central digital platform, allowing officials to review facility conditions, maintenance work, complaints and the performance of service agencies through a centralised dashboard.
Highway users will be able to submit feedback through QR codes linked to the Rajmargyatra app and touchscreens installed at toilet facilities. The system will digitally record complaints and suggestions to help authorities monitor their resolution.
The guidelines also require mechanised cleaning and desludging of septic tanks, soak pits and sewer lines, strictly prohibiting manual entry into septic tanks, manholes and sewer lines.
To enforce compliance, the framework provides for daily supervision, weekly technical inspections, monthly joint reviews, quarterly audits and annual assessments by third parties. Performance will be evaluated through physical inspections, monitoring data and verified public feedback.
The guidelines prescribe deadlines for addressing deficiencies and financial penalties for inadequate maintenance. Agencies that repeatedly fail to meet the required standards may face strict action.
NHAI aims to use the measures to improve the condition of public amenities at national highway toll plazas and ensure cleaner, safer and more accessible facilities for road users.
