The State Government has finalised a roadmap for building Way Side Amenity Centers (WACs) for travelers on national and State highways.
Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik has asked the Works Department to look into aspects of providing facilities to the road travellers and commuters rather than just focusing on building and expanding stretches. The authorities in Department of Works have rolled out the road map for way side amenities in at least 50 locations in the State.
Each location will be developed with a cost of `1 crore and open tender will be floated in April and finalized in May end.
\Chief Minister Patnaik has approved the proposal, which has received budgetary allocation of `15 crore for 2016-17. These WACs will be made operation by March, 2017, said sources.
Accordingly, Principal Secretary Works Nalini Kanta Pradhan has chalked out plans to implement the programme of WACs. Pradhan held discussions with DoW officials in this regard to give a final shape of the programme, said sources.
In last few years, improvement of the road sector has been quite substantial with the result that long distance travel in Odisha is considered as very safe and smooth.
All commercial and tourism hot spots of the State have been connected with excellent quality roads, for which road sector has come of age and is able to compete with the two other sectors i.e. rail and air.
Travel time has been reduced drastically due to smooth ride on National Highways, State Highways and district roads. Vijayawada-Ranchi Corridor has given boost to the highway sector and double laned State Highways and district roads providing smooth riding quality.
So looking at the growing movement on the roads, the DoW has decided to provide way side amenities for own vehicles, transport buses and even the regular truck drivers. In the first phase 50 locations have been identified with facilities of cafeteria, wash room, drinking water, snacks bar, essential shop, parking space and other amenities like first aid centre. Besides there will be future provisions of WI-FI ATM, trauma centre, small vehicle repair unit, children play area and others. A nice plan and elevation for WAC will be kept uniform along with color coding to provide easy recognition and visibility.
The entire design is focused on providing small, yet essential needs of the road travellers, who need a clean environment for a stopover during long road journeys.
Quality operation and maintenance will be looked after by the DoW itself through professional agencies having experience in this sector, said a senior official.