At least One Toll Plaza in Every State to have All-women Staff

The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has announced to induct all-women toll collecting staff on day shift in every toll plaza of every state and union territories. The initiative will be rolled out on this International Women’s Day i.e. March 8. All women staff will work in toll plazas closer to the city area.

“If this initiative is successful, then we will implement it across all toll plazas under operation by NHAI within the next 3 months. We have instructed the Regional Officers in this regard,” Ministry of Road Transport and Highways said in a statement.

It also stated that to improve the condition of toll plazas and create a competitive environment, the NHAI is also doing a ranking of toll plazas based on various parameters directly affecting the highway users such as, ETC (electronic toll collection) adoptability, condition of ETC infrastructure and time taken in passing through the toll plaza using FASTag lane.

NHAI is also ensuring construction of Nest (Mini) at toll plazas, a short duration parking with litter bins, toilet facilities, water ATM, Kiosk with tea/coffee vending machine and pre-packaged food items, readiness and availability of recovery van, patrolling vehicle and ambulances.

It also includes the deployment of Road Marshals, setting up point of sale of FASTag, FASTag Notice Board, behaviour of toll plazas staff, availability of toll plazas Manager, informative Sign Boards, general cleanliness,  condition of flooring and feedback from highway users, availability of neat and clean Ladies/Gents/Divyang toilets, greenery and maintenance on NH stretch, etc.

NHAI Chairman Deepak Kumar has issued strict instructions to all Regional Officers to ensure FASTag lane at each toll plazas where only FASTag affixed vehicles will pass and the Road Marshals to ensure this.

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NHAI is also ensuring construction of Nest (Mini) at toll plazas, a short-duration parking with litter bins, toilet facilities, water ATM, Kiosk with tea/coffee vending machine and pre-packaged food items, readiness and availability of recovery van, patrolling vehicle and ambulances.

Several government corporations have announced different ways of celebrating Women’s day this year. The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation has announced an article and slogan writing exclusively for women.

Picture credit- Indian Express

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