In a significant step towards prioritizing the well-being of commercial drivers, Prime Minister Narendra Modi unveiled the government’s plan to set up 1,000 modern buildings along highways. These facilities, designed to cater to truck, bus, and taxi drivers, will address the long-standing issue of inadequate resting spaces for those in the mobility sector.
Speaking at the Bharat Mobility Global Expo, PM Modi detailed the comprehensive scheme that includes the development of modern buildings by oil marketing companies and the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI). These establishments will offer crucial amenities such as food, clean drinking water, toilets, parking, and resting areas, ensuring a safer and more comfortable experience for drivers navigating the extensive national highway network.
Highlighting the importance of drivers in the mobility sector, PM Modi acknowledged their significant contribution and the challenges they face, including long hours of driving and the risk of road accidents. He emphasized, “This will enable drivers to do ‘ease of traveling’ as well,” underlining the positive impact of establishing dedicated rest centers.
The need for such facilities becomes evident in recent road accident data, revealing that crashes involving trucks and lorries led to 33,136 deaths in 2022, with an additional 10,584 deaths of truck occupants. By addressing the fatigue and stress associated with extended driving hours, the government aims to enhance road safety and overall well-being.
Most of these resting facilities will be strategically located near existing and new petrol pumps along national highways. Approximately 300-400 of them will be integrated into the Way Side Amenities (WSAs) being developed by NHAI. While drivers will incur nominal charges for availing these services, the initiative aims to create a network of well-equipped resting spaces, contributing to the ease of travel for drivers and reducing the toll of road accidents.
