India Rolls Out the Red Carpet for Truck Drivers with 368 New ‘Apna Ghar’ Rest Stops

Image Source: News18

India’s highways have a new lifeline for the trucking community, with the government’s ambitious Apna Ghar project rolling out fully operational, safe, and affordable resting facilities nationwide. As of July 31, 2025, over 368 Apna Ghar centers with 4,611 beds are in service—all aimed at improving the well-being and safety of the country’s truck drivers.

Introduction

The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, in collaboration with Public Sector Oil Marketing Companies, celebrated the large-scale launch of Apna Ghar: a dedicated network of rest stops strategically located at fuel stations and key freight corridors across national highways. This initiative seeks to address long-standing challenges faced by truckers, including fatigue-induced road accidents and lack of decent accommodations during long hauls.

Key Highlights of the Apna Ghar Initiative

As of July 1, 2025, 368 Apna Ghar facilities with a combined capacity of 4,611 beds have been set up, including four on the developing Delhi-Mumbai Expressway. When complete, this corridor alone will have 30 such stops.
Apna Ghar centers are located at large-format fuel outlets along major highways, ensuring accessibility for long-distance truckers at critical points.
The project is phased, with expansion planned to reach 1,000 such facilities by March 2027.

Modern Amenities for Truck Drivers

Truck drivers using Apna Ghar centers enjoy:
Air-conditioned dormitories (10–30 beds per stop), providing relief from the often harsh Indian climate.
Clean and secure bathrooms, hot and cold water, dedicated bathing zones, and safe parking facilities.
Accessible eateries and provision for self-cooking, allowing drivers flexibility in meal choices.
Lockers and lounges, giving a safe space for rest, storage, and recreation during breaks.
Booking via the Apna Ghar mobile app or direct walk-in, ensuring user-friendly access across literacy levels.

Affordable Resting Options—Special Offers

Each trucker’s stay costs just ₹112 for an 8-hour rest period.

From June 2025, dormitory stays became free for drivers who purchase 50 liters of diesel from an Apna Ghar linked fuel station. This promotional scheme is expected to run for three months, further reducing the financial burden on truck drivers during peak expansion.

The initiative reported a growth from 3,348 bookings in April–May (55/day) to over 16,559 bookings in June (552/day; a fivefold surge)—evidence of rising popularity and trust among drivers.

User Engagement—Positive Impact

Over 65,000 truckers have downloaded and registered on the Apna Ghar app, with feedback indicating a noticeable improvement in journey comfort and reduction in on-road fatigue.

Minister Hardeep Singh Puri noted that most accidents on Indian highways are caused by drivers unable to rest properly—Apna Ghar’s air-conditioned, affordable facilities have already emerged as a practical solution.

Broader Implications and Future Plans

The government’s goal is to upgrade 1,000 fuel outlets with similar wayside amenities, addressing the projected surge in India’s road freight demand.

Enhanced trucker welfare is expected to boost logistics efficiency and lower accident rates—a win for both road safety and economic growth.

Today’s launch marks a pivotal transformation in India’s highway infrastructure, moving beyond the era of truckers sleeping roadside or at unhygienic dhabas, to a future where drivers can truly rest and recharge. For the long-haul heroes of the road, Apna Ghar is set to become a trusted, much-needed second home.

Source: Press Information Bureau, Economic Times Infra, News18, Times of India, DD News, Kashmir Despatch