Soon, road travellers will be able to enjoy different wayside amenities along national highways. The Government intends to develop amenities projects to include retail outlets (petrol pumps), toilets, food courts, parking etc. on national highways for road users.
The government is planning to develop ‘Highway Village’ on NHAI land. The project will be handed over to the developer on qualified highest quoted bid. Highway Nest will be developed on private land by private landowners and entrepreneurs. The tenders for these will be awarded on fulfilment of minimum land requirement and financial parameters. Anyone, a newcomer or first timer may also apply.
Under this scheme, the government will develop 150 sites along national highways with a range of amenities including helipads, motels, village haats or markets, shopping malls, electric charging stations, fuel stations, parking for cars, buses & trucks, restaurants & food courts, dhabas for truckers, repair shops and dormitories for drivers.
The scheme aims to encourage frequent breaks during the journey and therefore, reduce driver-fatigue related accidents. The helipads are aimed to help with expediting evacuation for medical emergencies and providing disaster relief.
