Government Launches ‘Apna Ghar’ Resting Facilities to Support Truck Drivers on National Highways.
National
On 31 July 2025, the Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas officially launched the ‘Apna Ghar’ (literally “Our Home”) initiative—a network of hygienic, safe, and affordable rest stations for truck drivers across India’s national and state highways. By July 1, a total of 368 facilities with 4,611 beds were operational through Public Sector Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) at retail fuel outlets, representing a major step toward promoting road safety and driver welfare.
- Each Apna Ghar provides dormitory accommodation (ranging from 10 to 30 beds), clean toilets, dedicated bathing areas (known as houdas), purified drinking water, self-cooking areas, and nearby restaurants or dhabas, along with safe vehicle parking.
- A dedicated ‘Apna Ghar’ mobile application, developed to enhance accessibility and ease of use, empowers truck drivers to locate nearby rest facilities, pre-book dormitory accommodations, and submit real-time feedback on amenities. As of June 2025, the app witnessed widespread adoption with over 65,000 registered users, reflecting the initiative’s growing popularity and relevance among India’s long-haul driving community.
- Bookings surged more than five-fold, rising from approximately 3,348 (55/day) in April–May to 16,559 (552/day) in June. In June 2025, a promotional scheme was launched offering free dormitory stays for drivers who purchased 50 liters of high-speed diesel from Apna Ghar outlets—set to run for three months.
Main Point :- (i) OMCs have set up 368 Apna Ghar facilities so far, including four units on the under-construction Delhi–Mumbai Expressway, which will have 30 such sites once complete. The government aims to expand to 1,000 large-format fuel retail outlets by March 2027 with integrated trucker amenities.
(ii) Union Petroleum Minister Hardeep Singh Puri highlighted that most highway accidents stem from driver fatigue and inadequate rest. These air-conditioned facilities aim to mitigate such risks by providing comfort and basic amenities, improving drivers’ well-being and road safety.
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