MoRTH Proposes 18 Wayside Amenities Along National Highways in North East States

Staff Reporter

Guwahati: The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) has proposed setting up 18 Wayside Amenities (WSAs) along national highways (NHs) in Assam and two other NE (North East) states, Meghalaya and Manipur. So far, there is no proposal for the establishment of such facilities in the other NE states.

Wayside amenities are facilities built by the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) along national highways and expressways to provide rest and refreshment for travellers. These amenities include fuel stations, food courts, and medical clinics.

According to NHAI sources, there are 8 WSAs each proposed to be set up in Assam and Manipur. Meghalaya will have two such facilities proposed. As to the other states in the country, the highest number of 58 WSAs will be established in Rajasthan, followed by 48 each in Haryana and Madhya Pradesh.

NHAI, through National Highways Logistics Management Limited (NHLML), envisions the development of Wayside Amenities (WSAs) at approximate intervals of 40-60 km along National Highways and Expressways. Public toilets have been provisioned as a mandatory facility on these Wayside Amenities. Currently, 455 WSAs have been awarded across the country, and 90 WSAs are operational along National Highways and Expressways.

So far as the construction of public toilets near toll plazas of National/State Highways is concerned, by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH), as a part of the Swachh Bharat Mission, separate toilet blocks for males and females are being constructed near or at the toll plazas on project stretches under the jurisdiction of NHAI since 2015. Moreover, in order to empower people to report any issues on highways (including toilets/public conveniences), the Rajmarg Yatra application has recently been developed for use by National Highway users.

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