New Delhi: In a strategic shift, the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has decided to relieve road contractors and concessionaires from the responsibility of developing wayside amenities (WSAs) along new highways and expressways. Instead, NHAI will now invite separate bids from companies with global expertise to enhance the quality and innovation of these amenities.
This move is aimed at attracting specialised players to create world-class WSAs, thereby boosting return on investment and enhancing the overall experience for highway users. Traditionally, highway contractors or concessionaires were tasked with developing and maintaining these amenities, adding to their existing responsibilities. However, the new directive, issued in a circular on June 11, delineates the construction of WSAs from the primary road construction tasks, setting a new precedent in highway project management.
Under the revised guidelines, NHAI will employ a distinct methodology for withdrawing WSA construction from various civil work modes, including engineering, procurement and construction (EPC), hybrid annuity mode (HAM), and build-operate-transfer (BOT) mode. This separation is expected to allow greater focus on WSA development, with potential customisation attracting interest from sectors such as oil marketing and hospitality. The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways has ambitious plans to establish approximately 1,000 WSAs over the next five years, aiming for one every 50 kilometres along national highways. Of these, 800 WSAs will be developed under a public-private partnership (PPP) model. In this arrangement, NHAI will provide the land and necessary permissions, while private entities will handle the development, operation, and maintenance for a period ranging from 15 to 30 years.
Currently, only 198 WSAs have been awarded, and an additional 162 are in the bidding phase. The government projects that these WSAs will present significant investment opportunities, offering estimated returns of 15-30% on an average capital investment of Rs 1-10 crore. The envisioned facilities at each WSA include fuel stations, electric vehicle (EV) charging stations, food courts, restaurants, dhabas, convenience stores, medical and childcare rooms, areas for local artisans, drone landing facilities, and even helipads at larger sites. By segregating WSA development from road construction, NHAI hopes to achieve a higher standard of service and infrastructure, ultimately benefiting both highway users and investors.
