Context:
The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas has launched a national-level initiative titled ‘Apna Ghar’ in 2025, designed to provide dignified resting facilities for truck drivers across highways in India.
About Apna Ghar Initiative:
- What It Is:
- A resting infrastructure scheme for long-haul truck drivers to promote health, hygiene, and well-being.
- Nodal Ministry:
- Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas
- Operated By:
- Public Sector Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) at fuel retail outlets located along national and state highways
- Launch Year: 2025
Objectives:
- Enhance road safety by reducing driver fatigue
- Provide inclusive, welfare-oriented infrastructure for truckers
- Support India’s logistics and transport ecosystem
- Align with SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth)
Key Features:
- Nationwide Coverage:
- 368 rest houses with 4,611 beds now operational
- Facilities Provided:
- Dormitories (10–30 beds each)
- Clean toilets and Houdas (bathing areas)
- Self-cooking spaces and dining facilities
- Restaurants/Dhabas
- Access to purified drinking water
- Technology Integration:
- ‘Apna Ghar’ mobile app launched for online booking, feedback, and service improvement
- Public-Private Model:
- Infrastructure built and managed by OMCs in collaboration with private stakeholders
- User-Centric Design:
- Facilities tailored to the actual needs of truck drivers using feedback and data analytics
