Bhubaneswar: The Odisha government is planning to establish roadside amenity centres at every 50-kilometre interval along national highways, state highways, expressways and major district roads to improve travel convenience and road safety across the state.
The proposal was discussed at a high-level meeting chaired by Law, Works and Excise Minister Prithviraj Harichandan, who reviewed plans for setting up the wayside facilities to cater to truck drivers, bus passengers, tourists and other road users undertaking long-distance travel.
According to an official release, the proposed Wayside Amenity Centres will provide a range of essential facilities, including separate toilets for men and women, EV charging stations, petrol pumps, food courts and rest houses. The initiative aims to ensure that travellers have access to basic amenities at regular intervals while also promoting safer and more comfortable journeys.
The government is planning to sign Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) with public sector oil marketing companies in the first phase of the project. Under the proposed arrangement, the state government will provide land for the centres, while the oil companies will be responsible for their development, operation and maintenance.
The initiative is part of the state’s broader efforts to strengthen road infrastructure and improve road safety as Odisha expands its network of highways and expressways. Officials noted that the availability of well-equipped roadside facilities would benefit commercial vehicle operators, tourists and private vehicle users alike.
The meeting was attended by Works Department Principal Secretary Sanjay Kumar Singh, Transport Commissioner Amitabh Thakur, Works Department Special Secretary Sameer Hota, NHAI Regional Officer Pradeep Lal, Chief Engineer (National Highways) Narayan Patel, along with senior officials from the Works Department, Tourism Department and Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited (HPCL).
