Int’nl Women’s Day: NHAI employs over 5,100 women at toll plazas in boost to women’s empowerment

In a move aimed at strengthening women’s participation in frontline roles, the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has deployed more than 5,100 female staff during day shifts at toll plazas across the country.

The women personnel have been stationed at over 1,140 toll plazas along the National Highways and Expressway network. The initiative is part of efforts to promote women’s empowerment and inclusivity in toll operations while improving the overall experience of highway users.

Women In Frontline Roles

According to NHAI officials, the objective of deploying women staff at toll booths is to encourage greater involvement of women in operational roles within the National Highway infrastructure sector.

The authority said the presence of women at fee plazas is expected to foster a more efficient, empathetic and user-friendly environment for commuters travelling on National Highways. It is also expected to reduce the likelihood of disputes at toll booths during the user fee collection process.

Decision After Stakeholder Consultation

The decision to deploy women staff during day shifts was taken after consultations and discussions with various stakeholders. These included toll plaza operators and key industry associations such as the National Highways Builder Federation (NHBF), Highway Operators Association of India (HOAI), and the All India User Fee Contractors Federation (AIUCF).

Officials said all toll operators have unanimously agreed to deploy women staff during day shifts for user fee collection at toll plazas. More female staff are expected to join in the near future.

Training And Monitoring

NHAI said it will closely monitor the implementation of the initiative to ensure compliance at toll plazas across the country.

As part of the programme, specialised training will also be provided to the deployed female staff, particularly those from rural areas. The training will focus on courteous behaviour with National Highway users, handling emergency situations, basic safety protocols and maintaining efficient toll plaza operations.

Employment Opportunities For Women

Officials said the initiative is expected to create employment opportunities for women, especially in rural and semi-urban areas. It will also help strengthen women’s participation in the National Highway infrastructure sector while generating employment in remote regions.

By encouraging women to take up frontline operational roles at toll plazas, NHAI aims to promote gender inclusivity and social empowerment while continuing to improve service delivery across the National Highway network.