Apna Ghar highway rest facilities launched by the Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas aim to provide safe and hygienic rest areas for truck drivers across India. Learn about features, booking, expansion plans, and its relevance for competitive exams.
“Apna Ghar”—Government’s National Resting Facilities for Truck Drivers
Introduction
In 2025, the Government of India launched “Apna Ghar”, a large-scale initiative under the Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas, aimed at providing safe, hygienic, and affordable resting facilities for long-haul truck drivers along national and state highways. This landmark programme marks a significant push to enhance driver welfare and road safety throughout the country’s transport corridors
Key Objectives & Rationale
Truckers frequently endure unsafe and unhygienic conditions, often sleeping in their vehicles or roadside dhabas. These situations exacerbate driver fatigue, increase road accident risks, and affect overall efficiency of India’s logistics sector. The scheme seeks to offer structured resting facilities to ensure drivers’ health, rest, and safety on long-distance routes
Infrastructure & Amenities
As of 1 July 2025, a network of 368 Apna Ghar units has been operationalised across busy highways, together offering approximately 4,611 bedsEach unit typically features dormitories (10–30 beds), restaurants or dhabas, self-cooking zones, clean toilets, designated bathing areas (hudas), purified drinking water, and safe parking facilities for trucks
Digital Access & Pricing
Truck drivers can access Apna Ghar via a dedicated mobile app that enables online booking, registration, and feedback. The app strengthens user engagement and data-driven monitoring. The standard rate is ₹112 for an eight‑hour stay, making it an economical option for long-haul transport staff
Adoption Trends & Incentives
Demand has surged following the launch. In June 2025 alone, bookings jumped to around 16,559, averaging 552 per day, a five‑fold rise compared to 3,348 bookings or 55 per day during April–May 2025 Over 65,000 truck drivers have downloaded the app and registered. A promotional offer introduced in June provides free dorm stays upon purchasing 50 litres of high-speed diesel at Apna Ghar sites—boosting uptake further. This offer runs for three months
Expansion & Future Plans
The government aims to scale the scheme at 1,000 major fuel outlets on national highways by March 2027. New facilities are planned even along under‑construction expressways like the Delhi–Mumbai Expressway, which already includes four Apna Ghar sites, with a total of 30 planned
Government Perspective
Hon’ble Minister Hardeep Singh Puri stressed that most highway accidents stem from sleep deprivation and lack of rest. “Air‑conditioned Apna Ghars … complete arrangement for food, cooking, cold/hot water, bathroom, parking and bed” provides a sustainable solution to reduce fatigue‑related accidents
Why This News Is Important
Enhancing Road Safety & Driver Welfare
This initiative directly addresses driver fatigue, a leading cause of road accidents involving heavy vehicles. By institutionalising rest infrastructure, it significantly improves driver safety and contributes to reduced accident rates on national highways.
Strengthening Supply Chain Resilience
Truck drivers are the backbone of the logistics and supply chain. Improving their working conditions supports transport efficiency, timely deliveries, and overall economic productivity in sectors like banking, trade, railways, and civil services where smooth logistics is critical.
Alignment with Public Policy and Social Welfare
“Apna Ghar” reflects the government’s commitment to inclusive development and decent work conditions for informal-sector workers. As part of broader social welfare initiatives, the programme aligns with national and international frameworks such as SDG 8 (Decent Work & Economic Growth).
Relevance for Exam Aspirants
For students preparing for government exams such as SSC, RRB, UPSC, and state PSCs, this scheme is a prime example of Mahatma Gandhi National Employment Guarantee-type welfare initiatives, economic infrastructure development, transport policy, and Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas stewardship.
Historical Context
Truck Driver Welfare Landscape
Earlier, truck drivers lacked formal resting places. Many slept in vehicles or roadside stalls, exposing themselves to health hazards, unsafe conditions, and excess fatigue. Governments had long acknowledged this issue but lacked a structured solution.
Policy Evolution
The Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas, partnering with Public Sector Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs), pioneered this initiative—embedding it within fuel retail infrastructure. This marks a paradigm shift in public–private collaboration toward driver-centric infrastructure along highways.
Precedents and Expansion
Initial pilots on busy corridors received positive response, motivating nationwide rollout. The initiative draws on lessons from earlier highway amenity schemes globally and India’s own experiences with Toll Plaza rest zones, upgrading them into integrated rest-and-eat spaces with technological support.
Key Takeaways from “Apna Ghar” Initiative
| S. No. | Key Takeaway |
|---|---|
| 1 | Launched by Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas in 2025 through Public Sector OMCs |
| 2 | As of 1 July 2025, 368 units operational with 4,611 beds across national highways |
| 3 | Facilities include dormitory beds, restaurants/dhabas, self-cooking, clean toilets, bathing areas, purified water, parking |
| 4 | Daily bookings surged to 16,559 in June 2025 (≈ 552/day), up from 3,348 in April–May (≈ 55/day) |
| 5 | Standard pricing is ₹112 for 8 hours, plus a promotion offering free dorm stay with purchase of 50 litres High-Speed Diesel for 3 months |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the “Apna Ghar” initiative?
The “Apna Ghar” initiative is a government scheme launched by the Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas to provide safe, hygienic, and affordable resting facilities for truck drivers along India’s highways.
2. Who launched the “Apna Ghar” scheme and when?
It was launched by the Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas in 2025 with implementation support from Public Sector Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs).
3. What amenities are provided at Apna Ghar centres?
Facilities include dormitory beds, restaurants/dhabas, self-cooking areas, clean toilets, bathing spaces, purified water, and safe parking.
4. What is the cost of using Apna Ghar facilities?
The standard rate is ₹112 for an 8-hour stay, and there are promotional offers like free stay on purchase of 50 litres of diesel for a limited time.
5. How can drivers access the Apna Ghar services?
Truck drivers can use a dedicated mobile app to locate facilities, register, book beds, and give feedback.
6. Why is this initiative important for road safety?
It helps reduce driver fatigue, which is a major cause of road accidents involving heavy vehicles on highways.
7. How many Apna Ghar units are currently operational?
As of July 2025, 368 units with around 4,611 beds are operational across the country.
8. Is the Apna Ghar initiative expected to expand?
Yes, the government plans to extend it to 1,000 fuel outlets by March 2027, including new expressway projects.
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