In News:

The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas has launched ‘Apna Ghar’, a nationwide initiative to provide resting facilities for truck drivers along highways. The programme, launched in 2025, aims to enhance road safety, driver well-being, and logistics efficiency, addressing the long-standing issue of fatigue and poor hygiene conditions faced by India’s trucking workforce.

Key Features of Apna Ghar

• Coverage: As of July 1, 2025, 368 units with 4,611 beds have been set up at retail fuel outlets along national and state highways by Public Sector Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs).
• Facilities Provided:
  • Dormitories (10–30 beds per unit)
  • Clean toilets and dedicated bathing areas (Houdas)
  • Restaurants/dhabas and self-cooking spaces
  • Purified drinking water access
• Technology Integration: Launch of the ‘Apna Ghar’ mobile app for bookings, user feedback, and engagement.
• Implementation Model: Public sector OMCs build and manage facilities at fuel retail stations, ensuring accessibility to drivers during long-haul journeys.

Objectives and Significance

• Road Safety: Reduces driver fatigue, a major cause of road accidents.
• Worker Welfare: Provides dignified working and resting conditions for truckers, a vital yet often informal part of India’s transport ecosystem.
• Economic Impact: Supports supply chain resilience by improving the productivity and well-being of drivers.
• Social Development: Aligns with Sustainable Development Goal 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth) by promoting safe and humane working environments.