Smarter Toll Plazas: Cleaner Toilets and Safer Parking Ahead
New Delhi, October 23: Toll plazas on national highways are set for a major makeover under new guidelines covering public toilets, parking areas and smart monitoring. The government says the changes will make highway journeys more comfortable and secure for everyone.
The Road Transport and Highways Ministry announced the guidelines on Friday through an official statement. The framework sets out standards for upgrading facilities, maintaining them regularly, using technology to watch over them, responding to public feedback and holding service providers accountable for their performance.
Before any existing toilet facility is rebuilt, a technical assessment will be carried out. The assessment will identify which repairs or replacements are needed, so that work is targeted and effective.
The planned upgrades include flooring, plumbing, sanitary fittings, lighting, ventilation, drainage and signage. Housekeeping and cleaning programmes will be scaled according to the size of each toilet block and the number of vehicles passing through, to keep basic amenities functioning at all times.
Women travellers and families who stop overnight have received special attention. The guidelines recommend proper lighting, CCTV cameras covering toll plazas and parking areas, sanitary napkin vending machines and clear signs showing where facilities are available.
Every toll plaza must have at least one universally accessible toilet, featuring step-free entry, suitable doors and grab bars for people with disabilities.
Parking areas will be improved with marked parking bays and proper drainage systems. Provisions for electric vehicle charging infrastructure will also be made so that these sites are ready for future demand.
Technology-based monitoring will keep an eye on water availability, odour, sewage levels, leaks, power supply and toilet use. Automatic alerts for water shortages, sewage overflow and equipment faults will allow maintenance teams to act without delay.
All this monitoring data will feed into a central digital platform. Officials will be able to see the condition of each facility, track maintenance, review complaints and assess how well each agency is performing.
Users will be able to give feedback by scanning QR codes linked to a highway travel app or by using touch screens installed at toilet facilities. Digitally recorded complaints and suggestions will help officials monitor problems and confirm that they are being solved.