New Delhi : The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has issued new guidelines for upgrading, maintaining and digitally monitoring public toilet facilities and designated parking areas at national highway toll plazas. The initiative aims to improve cleanliness, safety, accessibility and service quality for highway users through technology-enabled monitoring, citizen feedback and performance-based accountability.
Existing Facilities to Undergo Technical Assessment
Under the new guidelines, existing toilet facilities will undergo technical assessments to identify the repairs and replacements required before rehabilitation. The upgradation process will cover flooring, plumbing, sanitary fittings, lighting, ventilation, drainage, signage and other essential amenities.
Cleaning schedules and housekeeping requirements will be determined according to the size of toilet blocks and traffic volumes to ensure regular maintenance and the availability of basic facilities. The guidelines also aim to ensure that public amenities remain clean and functional for highway users throughout the day and night.
Focus on Women’s Safety and Accessibility
The guidelines place particular emphasis on the safety of women and families travelling on national highways, especially those stopping at toll plazas at night. Measures include adequate lighting, CCTV surveillance of approach routes and parking areas, sanitary napkin vending machines and clearly visible information boards indicating the availability of public amenities.
Each covered toll plaza will also be required to provide at least one universally accessible toilet unit with barrier-free access, suitable doorways and grab bars for persons with disabilities.
Parking facilities will be improved through designated parking bays and proper drainage. Provisions will also be made for the future installation of electric vehicle charging infrastructure.
Smart Technology to Monitor Toilet Conditions
In a move towards technology-driven maintenance, the guidelines provide for monitoring systems to track water availability, odour, sewage levels, leakages, electricity supply and toilet occupancy.
Alerts relating to water shortages, sewage overflow and equipment failures will help authorities initiate corrective action. Monitoring data will be integrated with NHAI’s central digital platform, enabling officials to track facility conditions, maintenance activities, complaints and the performance of service providers through a centralised digital dashboard.
National Highway users will be able to submit feedback through QR codes linked to the Rajmargyatra app and through touchscreens installed at toilet facilities. Digitally recorded complaints and suggestions will help authorities identify recurring problems and monitor their resolution.
Manual Desludging Strictly Prohibited
The guidelines also mandate the use of completely mechanised methods for cleaning and desludging septic tanks, soak pits and sewer lines. Manual entry into septic tanks, manholes and sewer lines will be strictly prohibited, reinforcing the emphasis on safer sanitation and maintenance practices.
Regular Inspections and Financial Penalties
To ensure compliance, NHAI has established a structured inspection framework covering daily supervision, weekly technical inspections, monthly joint reviews, quarterly audits and annual third-party assessments.
Performance will be evaluated through physical inspections, monitoring data and verified citizen feedback. The guidelines prescribe deadlines for resolving maintenance issues and financial penalties for failure to maintain facilities according to the stipulated standards. Agencies that repeatedly fail to meet the required benchmarks may face stricter action.
Aim to Improve Highway Users’ Experience
Through the new guidelines, NHAI aims to strengthen the upkeep of public amenities at toll plazas and establish a more transparent, accountable and technology-driven maintenance system. The measures are intended to provide National Highway users with cleaner, safer and more accessible toilet facilities and better-maintained parking areas.