The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has deployed more than 5,100 women staff during daytime shifts at over 1,140 toll plazas across the country’s National Highway network as part of an initiative aimed at encouraging greater participation of women in highway operations.
The move has been implemented in coordination with toll operating agencies and industry bodies, including the National Highways Builders Federation (NHBF), Highway Operators Association of India (HOAI), and the All India Toll Operators Confederation (AITOC).
According to NHAI officials, the initiative is designed to promote gender inclusivity and improve the overall experience for highway users, while also creating new employment opportunities for women, particularly in areas located along major highway corridors.
Officials said the deployment of women staff at toll plazas is expected to enhance discipline, improve commuter interaction, and contribute to smoother toll operations across the national highway network.
To support the initiative, women staff deployed at toll plazas will also undergo specialised training programmes, focusing on user interaction, operational procedures, and safety protocols, enabling them to manage toll plaza operations effectively.
NHAI noted that the programme reflects its broader effort to encourage gender diversity in infrastructure operations while strengthening service standards across the country’s rapidly expanding highway network.
