Bhubaneswar: In line with the rapid progress and infrastructure development underway across the state, the Government of Odisha is introducing a comprehensive plan to strengthen its road network and enhance commuter safety.
To ensure minimum basic facilities for long-distance drivers, tourists, and passengers traveling along National Highways, State Highways, Expressways, and Major District Roads, a high-level meeting was convened under the chairmanship of Minister of Law, Works, and Excise, Shri Prithviraj Harichandan.
Principal Secretary of the Works Department Shri Sanjay Kumar Singh, Transport Commissioner Shri Amitabh Thakur participated in discussion and charted out the plan.
During the meeting, deliberations focused on establishing Way-Side Amenity Centres at an interval of every 50 kilometers along key road networks. Once operational, these state-of-the-art facilities will cater to truck drivers, bus passengers, and individuals traveling in private four-wheelers, providing a comfortable transit experience.
Each amenity center will feature separate restrooms for men and women, electric vehicle charging stations, fuel stations, food courts, and rest areas for travelers. In the initial phase, the state government plans to execute a Memorandum of Understanding with leading public sector oil companies.
Under this proposed agreement, the state government will allocate land for the projects, while the respective oil companies will manage the construction, operations, and maintenance.
The meeting was attended by Special Secretary of the Works Department Shri Samir Hota, NHAI Regional Officer Shri Pradeep Lal, and Chief Engineer (NH) Er. Narayan Patel, alongside senior officials from the Works Department, Tourism Department, and HPCL.