New Delhi: The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) on Friday issued comprehensive guidelines for upgrading, maintaining and digitally monitoring public toilets and parking areas at toll plazas across National Highways, according to an official statement of the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, NationPress reported.
Source: NationPress — NHAI issues toll plaza toilet, parking upgrade guidelines with smart monitoring
Existing toilet blocks will first be assessed for repairs and replacements, with upgrades covering flooring, plumbing, sanitary fittings, lighting, ventilation, drainage and signage. Housekeeping schedules will be matched to each facility's size and traffic volume, the guidelines say.
Source: NationPress — NHAI issues toll plaza toilet, parking upgrade guidelines with smart monitoring
Every covered toll plaza must provide at least one universally accessible toilet unit with barrier-free access and grab bars. For women and families travelling at night, the rules prescribe proper lighting, CCTV surveillance of approaches and parking areas, sanitary napkin vending machines and clear signs showing where amenities are available.
Source: NationPress — NHAI issues toll plaza toilet, parking upgrade guidelines with smart monitoring
Smart monitoring systems will track water availability, odour, sewage levels, leakages, electricity supply and toilet occupancy, raising alerts for problems such as water shortages, sewage overflow and equipment failure. The data will feed NHAI's central digital dashboard, and highway users can send feedback through QR codes linked to the Rajmargyatra app and touchscreens at the facilities, NBMCW reported.
Cleaning and desludging of septic tanks, soak pits and sewer lines must be fully mechanised — manual entry into septic tanks, manholes and sewer lines is strictly prohibited under the guidelines.
Accountability runs on a fixed ladder: daily supervision, weekly technical inspections, monthly joint reviews, quarterly audits and annual third-party assessments, with deadlines for fixing problems and financial penalties for poor maintenance. Agencies that repeatedly fail may face strict action, the statement said. Parking areas will get designated bays and proper drainage, with provision for future EV charging infrastructure.