NHAI mandates smart monitoring, citizen feedback for toll-plaza amenities
Digital alerts will flag water shortages and sewage overflow, while QR-based feedback, accessibility requirements and maintenance penalties form part of new toll-plaza amenity guidelines.
Representational image of accessible toll-plaza amenities with digital feedback, smart monitoring and designated parking.
NEW DELHI: The National Highways Authority of India has issued guidelines introducing smart monitoring and digital feedback to improve public toilets and parking areas at highway toll plazas.
The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways announced the guidelines on October 23. Monitoring will track water supply, odour, sewage levels, leaks, electricity and occupancy, with alerts feeding into NHAI’s central dashboard.
Travellers will be able to submit feedback through QR codes linked to the Rajmargyatra app and on-site touchscreens.
Each covered plaza must have an accessible toilet with barrier-free entry and grab bars. Safety provisions include lighting, CCTV coverage of approaches and parking areas, and sanitary napkin vending machines.
Parking upgrades will include designated bays, drainage and provision for future EV charging infrastructure.
The guidelines prohibit manual entry into septic tanks, manholes and sewer lines, requiring mechanised cleaning.
Daily supervision, periodic inspections and independent assessments will inform performance reviews. Maintenance failures will attract financial penalties, with further action possible against repeat offenders.
