The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has rolled out a novel initiative encouraging highway commuters to report unclean toilets at toll plazas, offering a ₹1,000 FASTag reward per verified report. Running until 31 October 2025, the campaign seeks to enhance sanitation standards across India’s national highways, complementing broader government efforts to ensure safe and sustainable public infrastructure.
The drive allows highway users to submit geo-tagged photographs of poorly maintained NHAI toilets via the latest Rajmargyatra app. Reports must include the commuter’s name, location, vehicle registration number (VRN), and mobile number. Verified submissions trigger a ₹1,000 recharge to the linked FASTag account, non-transferable and strictly non-cash. Officials emphasised that the scheme applies exclusively to toilets owned, constructed, or maintained by NHAI, excluding those at retail fuel stations, dhabas, or other private facilities. “This programme is designed to engage citizens directly in maintaining public sanitation while reinforcing accountability among service providers,” stated a senior NHAI spokesperson.
The initiative aligns with India’s broader zero-waste and eco-friendly infrastructure goals, reinforcing the need for hygienic, gender-neutral, and accessible facilities for all highway commuters. Experts believe that incentivising cleanliness through direct rewards can significantly improve maintenance standards and public satisfaction. Since its launch, the Rajmargyatra app has been updated with an intuitive interface allowing users to report issues in real-time, including detailed location tagging and photo verification. Officials anticipate widespread participation, citing the simplicity and tangible benefits of the reward scheme. Additionally, the programme highlights the critical role of commuter engagement in public infrastructure management and urban sustainability.
NHAI’s move also dovetails with national efforts to promote cashless payments via FASTag, reducing paper-based transactions and enhancing the efficiency of toll management. By linking sanitation reporting to digital incentives, the authority is promoting responsible commuter behaviour and fostering a culture of civic responsibility on national highways. While the scheme is limited to NHAI-managed facilities, authorities hope it will inspire similar initiatives across private service providers, further advancing sanitation and environmental standards nationwide.
Officials have assured prompt action on verified reports, with maintenance teams dispatched to clean and upgrade reported facilities. The success of the initiative will be closely monitored and may influence future policies for citizen-driven infrastructure accountability.
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