Wayside amenities may be bid out separately

Projects to build wayside amenities on highways may now be bid out separately for all build-operate-transfer (BOT) road projects, according to a report.

After toying with the idea of awarding these projects to the same developer that is building the road, the ministry of road transport and highways is now considering to allow more players to participate in the bids, the Indian Express reported on Wednesday.

“We are doing this not only to streamline the award process but also bring in developers with the right expertise for setting up such outlets,” a ministry official told the newspaper.

The aim is to be able to provide facilities along vast stretches of highways in interior areas where wayside amenities are sparse or non-existent. Upgrading the standards of facilities on highways, the ministry wants at least one such hub every 50 km.

The move will provide real estate developers a number of business opportunities in the hinterland and may also bring major national and international food and beverage companies and retail chains to rural areas. Wayside amenities could also include auto part shops, washrooms and first aid centres.