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Key Points

The Central Government has approved 501 Wayside Amenities (WSAs) along national highways, with 56 in Gujarat. These facilities will offer parking, EV charging, food, and medical services. Gujarat CM Bhupendra Patel emphasized the role of WSAs in boosting local employment and tourism. The initiative aligns with PM Modi’s vision for Viksit Bharat and Viksit Gujarat.

Key Points: Nitin Gadkari Approves 56 Wayside Amenities for Gujarat Highways

  • 501 Wayside Amenities approved nationwide
  • 56 WSAs sanctioned for Gujarat highways
  • Includes parking, EV charging, and local artisan zones
  • Aims for 700+ WSAs by 2028-29
2 min read

Approval for 56 Wayside Amenities in Gujarat, 501 to be developed nationwide

Union Minister Nitin Gadkari announces 501 Wayside Amenities nationwide, with 56 in Gujarat, boosting travel convenience and local businesses.

"The development of WSAs will enhance commuter convenience and generate employment opportunities. - Nitin Gadkari"

Gandhinagar, May 5

The Central Government has taken a significant step to boost national highway infrastructure and improve amenities for travellers.

Union Minister of Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari informed the Rajya Sabha that approval has been granted to develop 501 Wayside Amenities (WSAs) along national highways and expressways, including 56 in Gujarat.

This initiative is set to further enhance Gujarat's highway network and ensure improved facilities for commuters. The minister noted that of the 501 approved WSAs, 94 are currently operational, and the government plans to develop over 700 WSAs by 2028-29. In Gujarat, nine out of the 56 sanctioned WSAs are already functional.

Wayside Amenities (WSAs) are infrastructure facilities developed along major highways to offer essential services to travellers. These amenities include parking facilities, EV charging stations, quality food and beverage options, clean restrooms and basic medical assistance.

The government plans to set up WSAs at regular intervals of 40 to 60 kilometres along key highways and expressways. Special zones within these facilities will promote small businesses and local artisans, with initiatives like 'Village Haat' to showcase and sell regional products.

Under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, Gujarat's road infrastructure is witnessing rapid progress. The development of WSAs will not only enhance commuter convenience but also generate new employment opportunities across the state.

Earlier, Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel inaugurated the campus developed by Motabar Kadva Patidar Samaj Sudharak Mandal and Narayan Samatva Naturopathy Center at Chhatral.At Chhatral, during the inauguration of the campus by the Samaj Sudharak Mandal and the launch of the Naturopathy Centre, Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel urged citizens to actively contribute to the vision of Viksit Bharat @2047 and Viksit Gujarat, while embracing the nine resolutions outlined by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

On this occasion, the Chief Minister stated that the institution actively promotes resolutions such as 'Catch the Rain,' 'Make Cleanliness a Habit,' 'Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam,' and natural farming, while also guiding others in these efforts. He further emphasised the importance of embracing natural farming and moving away from chemical-based agriculture through the newly established Naturopathy Centre.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

R
Rahul P.
This is a much-needed initiative! I frequently travel between Ahmedabad and Surat and proper amenities are lacking. Clean toilets and decent food options will make highway travel so much better. Hope they maintain these facilities properly unlike some existing ones. 🙏
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Priya M.
Good move but implementation is key. The 'Village Haat' concept is excellent to support local artisans. However, I hope they don't become overpriced tourist traps. Affordable prices for common people should be ensured. Gujarat's highways are already among the best in India, this will make them world-class!
A
Amit K.
Finally! As a truck driver who spends 20 days/month on Gujarat highways, I welcome this news. Proper parking and medical facilities can save lives. Just hope they build enough shade areas - summer heat on highways is unbearable. Also, need more drinking water facilities every 20km.
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Sunita R.
While infrastructure development is good, I'm concerned about environmental impact. Hope they're planting enough trees around these amenities as promised in 'Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam'. Also, proper waste management systems must be in place - we don't want more plastic litter on our beautiful highways.
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Vijay D.
EV charging stations on highways? That's forward thinking! Gujarat leading the way as always. This will boost electric vehicle adoption. But please ensure 24/7 security at these stops - women travelers need to feel safe using facilities at night. Maybe install CCTV and emergency buttons.
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Kiran B.
The employment generation aspect is most promising. Each WSA can create 50+ local jobs if managed well. But government should give priority to local youth in hiring, not outsource to big corporations. Also hope they include proper facilities for differently-abled travelers - often overlooked in such projects.

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