Rising Popularity of Apna Ghars for Truck Drivers
NEW DELHI: The Apna Ghar resting facilities for truck drivers along national highways are gaining traction, providing comprehensive amenities at an affordable rate of Rs 112 for an eight-hour stay. There has been a notable increase in driver bookings, with data revealing a surge of over five times in June as compared to the April-May period.
During April and May, the average daily bookings stood at 55, totaling 3,348. This number dramatically rose to 16,559 bookings in June, averaging 552 per day. Government officials anticipate that as the number of these facilities expands, bookings will continue to rise.
The initiative aims to alleviate the challenges faced by truck drivers, who often resort to sleeping in their trucks or at roadside eateries due to the lack of good, affordable accommodation options along highways.
More than 65,000 drivers have already downloaded and registered on the Apna Ghar mobile app. To further entice users, a promotional scheme offering complimentary dormitory stays was launched in June 2025, contingent on drivers purchasing 50 liters of high-speed diesel from Apna Ghar locations. This limited-time promotion is set to last for three months.
As of June, 368 Apna Ghar facilities have been established by oil marketing companies (OMCs), including four along the under-construction Delhi-Mumbai Expressway, which will eventually feature a total of 30 such facilities.
Petroleum and Natural Gas Minister Hardeep Singh Puri emphasized on X that many highway accidents are linked to drivers not taking adequate rest. The air-conditioned Apna Ghars present an effective solution, equipped with food arrangements, cooking areas, hot and cold water, bathrooms, parking, and bedding for drivers.
Drivers can book these amenities through the mobile app or by visiting the facilities directly. The government is also working toward establishing wayside amenities for truckers at 1,000 large fuel outlets on national highways by March 2027. These non-fuel services will include dormitories, dining options, self-cooking spaces, sanitation facilities, drinking water, and secure parking.
