Bhubaneswar: In a significant step towards strengthening Odisha’s tourism infrastructure, the state government has developed and operationalised 68 wayside amenity centres (WACs) along major National and State Highways in 25 districts.
With an investment of approximately Rs 25 crore, these centres have been developed to provide improved facilities and a comfortable travel experience for tourists and commuters. The Department of Tourism has undertaken renovation, restoration and modernisation of all 68 centres to ensure better infrastructure and essential amenities.
On the occasion, Deputy Chief Minister Pravati Parida interacted with members of women self-help groups (WSHGs) entrusted with the operation of these centres. The interaction focused on their experiences, operational challenges and the role of women-led enterprises in delivering quality services to tourists and travellers.
During the interaction, the Deputy Chief Minister enquired about the experiences and challenges faced by SHG members engaged in providing food and refreshments at the centres. Appreciating their entrepreneurial spirit and contribution, she encouraged them to serve quality, hygienic and nutritious traditional Odia cuisines, promote indigenous products and extend warm hospitality to visitors.
She emphasised that these centres should evolve into vibrant platforms showcasing Odisha’s rich culinary heritage while creating sustainable economic opportunities for women. The initiative is expected to strengthen women’s financial independence, encourage grassroots entrepreneurship and contribute to the rural economy.
Key Features:
Free essential facilities for travellers: All 68 centres provide essential facilities, including clean toilets, safe drinking water and comfortable resting spaces, free of cost. Travellers are required to pay only for food and beverages purchased from the Women SHGs operating at these centres.
Safety and uninterrupted services: To ensure round-the-clock safety and convenience, all centres are equipped with CCTV surveillance systems. DG sets and inverter facilities have also been provided to ensure uninterrupted power supply.
Employment Generation: For effective operation and maintenance, the district administrations have engaged eight contractual personnel at each centre through CFMS agencies. Accordingly, a total of 544 personnel–204 security personnel, 272 sanitation workers and 68 maintenance personnel–have been deployed across the 68 centres.
“Through this initiative, the state government aims to position way-side amenity centres as symbols of Odisha’s hospitality, cleanliness and safety. Besides enhancing the overall travel experience of tourists and commuters, the centres provide an institutional platform for women SHG members to expand their entrepreneurial activities and strengthen their livelihoods,” said an official.
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