Why in news?
In July 2025 the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas launched the Apna Ghar scheme to provide safe resting facilities for truck drivers along national and state highways. The initiative aims to reduce fatigue‑related accidents and improve working conditions for long‑haul transport workers, who form the backbone of India’s supply chains.
What is it?
Apna Ghar is a government‑supported network of rest houses built at fuel retail outlets operated by public sector oil marketing companies. It offers truck drivers a place to rest, bathe and eat during their journeys, addressing an important gap in road‑side infrastructure.
Key features
- Wide coverage: By mid‑2025, 368 rest houses with over 4,600 beds were operational across major highways.
- Essential amenities: Facilities include dormitories, clean toilets and bathing areas, self‑cooking and dining zones, inexpensive eateries and purified drinking water.
- Digital interface: A dedicated mobile application enables drivers to locate nearby facilities, reserve beds and provide feedback, allowing managers to adjust services based on usage.
- Public–private participation: The rest houses are built and maintained by oil companies but are open to all truckers, reflecting a partnership approach to social welfare.
Why it matters
The scheme promotes road safety by giving drivers a place to recuperate, thus reducing accidents caused by fatigue. It also acknowledges the dignity of truckers by providing hygienic facilities and aligns with efforts to strengthen supply‑chain resilience and fulfil Sustainable Development Goal 8 on decent work.