New Delhi — In a major step toward enhancing commuter convenience and road travel infrastructure, the Government has announced the development of over 700 Wayside Amenities (WSAs) along India’s National Highways and Expressways, targeted for completion by the financial year 2028–29. So far, 501 WSAs have been awarded and 94 have already been made operational.
The WSAs are designed to serve as one-stop rest and refreshment zones, providing facilities such as fuel stations, EV charging points, clean toilets, drinking water, parking areas, restaurants, and dhabas. Additionally, a digital feedback mechanism has been installed at each site to ensure real-time quality monitoring and continuous improvement.
Operated by private players selected through competitive bidding, WSAs also incorporate social and economic upliftment components. Dedicated kiosk zones are being allocated to promote local artisans and create job opportunities. Moreover, “Village Haats” have been included as permissible features in collaboration with the Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC), enabling the sale of local produce and traditional crafts.
“Wayside Amenities are envisioned to be developed at regular intervals of 40 to 60 kilometers across the national highway network,” said Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways, Nitin Gadkari, in a written response to an unstarred question (No. 3617) in the Rajya Sabha.
While the government does not track direct employment figures due to the private operation model, the project is expected to generate significant indirect employment and boost rural economies through local enterprise participation.
The initiative is being executed under the guidance of the National Highways Logistics Management Limited (NHLML), with a vision to not only enhance highway travel comfort but also integrate local economic development into the national transport ecosystem.
The state-wise list of awarded and operational WSAs-
