NHAI Deploys 5,100 Women Staff at 1,140 Toll Plazas Nationwide

The initiative aims to strengthen women’s participation in frontline operational roles while enhancing the quality of service and efficiency of toll operations across the country.

In a major step towards promoting gender inclusivity and improving commuter experience on India’s highways, the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has deployed more than 5,100 women staff members during day shifts at over 1,140 toll plazas across the National Highways and Expressway network.

The initiative aims to strengthen women’s participation in frontline operational roles while enhancing the quality of service and efficiency of toll operations across the country.

Women-Led Toll Operations to Improve Highway User Experience

Under the new initiative, women staff have been assigned to manage toll booths during daytime operations, where they will be responsible for user fee collection and assisting highway commuters. The move is expected to create a more efficient, courteous, and user-friendly environment at toll plazas.

Officials believe that the presence of women in frontline operational roles will also help reduce disputes and improve interactions between commuters and toll plaza operators, leading to smoother traffic flow and a more positive travel experience on national highways.

The initiative reflects NHAI’s broader efforts to modernise toll operations while ensuring that service delivery remains commuter-focused and responsive.

Initiative Finalised After Industry Consultation

The decision to deploy women staff was taken after extensive consultations with stakeholders across the highway infrastructure ecosystem. NHAI held discussions with toll plaza operators and major industry associations, including the National Highways Builder Federation (NHBF), Highway Operators Association of India (HOAI), and the All India User Fee Contractors Federation (AIUCF).

Following these deliberations, toll operators across the country unanimously agreed to introduce women staff during day shifts for toll collection and other operational responsibilities.

Currently, over 5,100 women employees have already been deployed, and additional recruitment is expected in the coming months as the initiative expands to more toll plazas nationwide.

Employment Opportunities for Women in Rural and Semi-Urban Areas

Apart from improving toll operations, the programme is expected to generate significant employment opportunities for women, particularly in rural and semi-urban regions located along major highway corridors.

Many toll plazas are located in remote areas, and the initiative is expected to provide stable employment opportunities for local women, enabling greater economic participation and strengthening gender inclusivity in the infrastructure sector.

By increasing women’s representation in highway operations, NHAI aims to promote social empowerment while building a more inclusive workforce in India’s rapidly expanding transport infrastructure sector.

Training and Capacity Building for Women Staff

To ensure high standards of service and workplace safety, NHAI will also organise specialised training programmes for the deployed female staff, especially those coming from rural backgrounds.

The training modules will cover key areas such as:

• Professional and courteous interaction with highway users

• Handling emergency and conflict situations at toll plazas

• Basic safety and security protocols

• Efficient management of toll plaza operations

This structured capacity-building approach is expected to enhance operational efficiency while ensuring that employees are well-equipped to manage the demands of high-volume toll plazas.

Strengthening Gender Inclusivity in Highway Infrastructure

The deployment of women toll staff marks a significant step toward strengthening gender inclusivity in India’s highway infrastructure ecosystem. By encouraging women to take up frontline operational roles, NHAI aims to create a more balanced and inclusive work environment while improving service delivery for millions of highway commuters.

Officials say the initiative will continue to be closely monitored to ensure smooth implementation and compliance across toll plazas nationwide.

As India continues to expand its National Highway network and upgrade transport infrastructure, initiatives such as these highlight the growing emphasis on inclusive employment, better commuter services, and socially responsible infrastructure development.