"Apna Ghar" resting facilities along national highways are gaining popularity among truckers, with a significant increase in bookings. These facilities, equipped with various amenities, provide a much-needed respite for drivers who often face challenging working conditions on long-haul routes.
The "Apna Ghar" initiative aims to address the critical issue of driver fatigue, a major cause of accidents on highways. By offering affordable and comfortable resting places, the government hopes to improve road safety and the overall well-being of truck drivers. Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri has emphasized that most highway accidents occur due to drivers not getting enough rest, and "Apna Ghar" emerges as a significant solution by providing complete arrangements for food, cooking space, cold/hot water, bathrooms, parking, and beds.
The numbers speak for themselves. In June 2025, bookings at "Apna Ghar" facilities surged to 16,559, a sharp increase from the 3,348 bookings recorded in April and May 2025. This translates to an average of 552 bookings per day in June, compared to just 55 per day during the preceding two months. This five-fold increase indicates a growing awareness and acceptance of these facilities among truckers.
Currently, "Apna Ghar" facilities are operational at 368 locations, including four along the Delhi-Mumbai Expressway. The government plans to expand this network further, aiming to establish truckers' wayside amenities at 1,000 large format fuel outlets on national highways by March 2027. These amenities will include dormitories with 10 to 30 beds, ensuring ample resting space for drivers.
Each "Apna Ghar" offers a range of essential services, including air-conditioned rooms, comfortable beds, clean restrooms, bathing areas, and secure parking. Drivers also have access to self-cooking kitchens, traditional dhabas serving affordable meals (under ₹130), and free Wi-Fi. The facilities are monitored by CCTV surveillance to enhance security. For these amenities, drivers need to pay only ₹112 for 8 hours. However, if they purchase 50 liters or more of diesel from Bharat Petroleum fuel stations, the service is provided free of charge.
To facilitate easy booking and access, the "Apna Ghar" mobile app has been launched. The app provides drivers with information on nearby rest points and allows them to make bookings directly from their mobile phones using options like UPI, card, or wallet. Over 65,000 drivers have already downloaded the app and registered on it. Recognizing that some drivers may be unfamiliar with the app, trained staff are available at petrol pumps to assist with the booking process.
The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has played a crucial role in establishing these driver-centric Wayside Amenity Stations. Developed by NHAI and managed by Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL), facilities like the one near Dausa in Rajasthan, aptly named "Apna Ghar" (Our Home), exemplify the initiative's commitment to providing a home-like environment for drivers.
Radha Mohan, Business Manager at IOCL, highlighted the upgrade from previous "Swagat" outlets, noting that "Apna Ghar" offers more comfort and security. The concept aims to reduce driver fatigue and ensure they receive quality rest and care.
The "Apna Ghar" initiative is a significant step towards improving the lives of truck drivers and enhancing road safety on national highways. By providing affordable, comfortable, and secure resting facilities, the government is addressing a long-standing need and contributing to a more efficient and safer transportation system. The increasing number of bookings and positive feedback from the trucking community indicate that "Apna Ghar" is indeed finding more takers and making a real difference.
