The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has deployed more than 5,100 women across toll plazas on national highways and expressways, the government announced on Thursday. These staff members are assigned to day shifts to manage toll collection at over 1,140 plazas nationwide. The initiative aims to enhance the experience of highway users and reduce conflicts at toll booths.
Collaboration with Industry Bodies
The move comes after consultations with toll plaza operators and industry associations, including the National Highways Builder Federation (NHBF), the Highway Operators Association of India (HOAI), and the All India User Fee Contractors Federation (AIUCF). NHAI stated that all toll operators have agreed to include women staff during day shifts, and additional appointments are expected in the near future.
Training and Skill Development
NHAI will provide specialised training for the deployed staff, focusing on commuter interaction, emergency response, basic safety protocols, and toll operations. The training particularly targets recruits from rural areas to equip them with necessary skills for effective management of toll booths.
Employment and Female Participation
The authority will monitor compliance with the programme. NHAI expects this initiative to generate employment opportunities for women in rural and semi-urban regions while increasing female participation in the highway infrastructure sector.
