Report unclean toilets in highway toll plazas, win rewards: Centre

New Delhi: In a bid to address long-standing concerns over sanitation on national highways, the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) has introduced a new initiative encouraging commuters to report unhygienic toilet facilities at toll plazas, linking public participation with financial incentives.

Under the programme, road users who identify poorly maintained restrooms can upload photographic evidence through the Rajmargyatra application. Upon verification of the complaint, users will receive a ₹1,000 credit to their FASTag account. The initiative is aimed at improving cleanliness standards while creating a system of accountability through direct user engagement.

Officials have emphasised that the scheme is an officially backed effort to enhance the overall travel experience on India’s expanding highway network. By incentivising reporting, authorities expect improved maintenance of public amenities at toll plazas, particularly as traffic volumes continue to rise.

The move comes alongside broader reforms in highway management being implemented by the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI). From April 10, toll collection across national highways will transition fully to digital modes, with cash payments being discontinued. Commuters will be required to use FASTag or UPI for toll transactions.

In addition to eliminating cash payments, NHAI is tightening rules around toll exemptions and promoting wider adoption of FASTag-based systems, including annual passes for frequent users. Authorities say these measures are intended to streamline toll operations, reduce congestion and enhance efficiency.

Together, the sanitation initiative and digital toll reforms reflect a broader push to modernise highway infrastructure and improve user experience through technology-driven solutions and public participation.