New Delhi: The National Highways Authority of India deployed more than 5,100 women toll staff at over 1,140 toll plazas across National Highways and expressways to strengthen service delivery and promote gender inclusivity.
Officials said the women toll staff will manage toll booths during day shifts across the highway network.
The move aims to improve the experience of highway users by creating a more efficient and user-friendly environment at toll plazas.
Authorities also expect the initiative to reduce disputes at toll booths on National Highway fee plazas.
The decision followed consultations with several stakeholders, including toll operators and industry associations.
These organisations included the National Highways Builder Federation, the Highway Operators Association of India and the All India User Fee Contractors Federation.
All toll operators agreed to deploy women toll staff during daytime operations for user fee collection.
Officials said more women staff members are expected to join the workforce in the coming months.
Women toll staff to receive specialised training
NHAI said it will monitor the implementation of the initiative to ensure compliance across toll plazas.
The programme is expected to create employment opportunities for women, particularly in rural and semi-urban areas.
Officials said the deployment will also strengthen women’s participation in the National Highway infrastructure sector.
As part of the initiative, NHAI will provide specialised training for the women toll staff.
The training will focus on courteous interaction with highway users and handling emergency situations.
It will also include lessons on safety protocols and efficient toll plaza management.
Authorities said this capacity-building programme will improve service quality and create a safe and professional working environment.
Officials added that greater participation of women in frontline roles will strengthen gender inclusivity and social empowerment in highway operations.
