New Sukhad Yatra App And Emergency Number Launched For Highway Users

This Wednesday Union Minister Nitin Gadkari launched a new mobile application (App) for users who frequently use highways. The new mobile app offers road travellers, real-time SMS updates on expected waiting time at toll plazas and toll fee when they'll hit the national highways. The new app also offers you the provision to enter road quality-related complaints, report any accident or pothole on the highway, and the app can also be used to purchase the FASTag tag and further facilitate the highway user experience.

The new Sukhad Yatra mobile application has been developed by National Highways Authority of India a.k.a. NHAI, and Gadkari feels that this move will empower commuters to share their experience and help the road ministry improve public services on national highways.

The Sukhad Yatra App offers updates on toll plazas, provision to buy FASTag tag, report road issues

The Road Transport & Highways Ministry has also launched a new 'Toll-free Emergency' number - 1033 - that will enable users to report an emergency condition, or highway-related feedback, across the highway. The authorities have integrated with various of emergency services like - ambulance and towing service services across the highways to ensure rapid response time in the event of an emergency. The service includes multi-lingual support and user location tracking features to offer accurate and responsive complaint resolution.

Additionally, the Ministry has also announced its plan to set up at least one model driving training centre in each district of the State or Union Territory. Designed with an objective of creating employment and meeting the requirement of HMV and LMV drivers in the country, the aim here is to inculcate the habit of road safety among drivers, and conducting training for drivers who carry dangerous/hazardous goods. The agencies willing to open the centre shall be required to provide infrastructure facilities like land, classrooms, simulator, etc. The Road Transport & Highways Ministry will be providing financial assistance of up to Rs. 1 crore and an equal amount of the grant will be invested by the agency under the scheme.

Furthermore, in order to promote road safety and the Ministry has also announced assistance up to Rs. 5 lakh will be provided to NGO / Trust / Cooperative Societies and other agencies for administering road safety programme.