NHAI scouts for location to set up amenities complex

In August 2017, the Union road transport ministry announced that as many as 1,000 wayside amenities complex would be developed across the country for the benefit of highway motorists. The facility will come up at a distance of every 50 km on the NHs. NHAI officials claimed that around 3,500 km of NH roads are running through the state and they will complete identifying places for the proposed facility by this year end. 

“We have so far identified three stretches, namely Ramanathapuram-Rameswaram (NH-49), Madurai-Kanniyakumari section (NH-7) and Hosur-Krishnagiri section (NH-7). We will float a tender soon to build the complex,” said a senior official, preferring anonymity. Meanwhile, lorry and trailer owners have expressed concerns over the delay in constructing wayside amenities. 

R Sugumar, president, Tamil Nadu Lorry Owners Association, said, “Even though the project was mooted in 2017. it is yet to take off. Highway commuters find it very difficult to access basic facilities like toilets even near toll plazas.” He demanded that officials accelerate the project speed for the convenience of motorists.  

When DT Next conveyed this demand to the NHAI official, the latter said that they were instructed by the Union road ministry to speed up the land identifying process. As per norms, such amenities will be developed on five acres and will be labelled as an ‘Highway Village’. 

“We will get funds for the project after we submit reports on the places identified,” he said.