The National Highways Authority of India's logistics arm has issued a directive to its field offices to encourage operators of wayside amenities on national highways and expressways to prioritise setting up vehicle repair and puncture repair facilities. According to an official statement issued on Monday, National Highways Logistics Management Ltd (NHLML), a wholly owned company of NHAI, has asked its field offices to advise lessees of Wayside Amenities (WSAs) to establish such facilities at the earliest. As reported by Zee News, the move aims to provide timely mechanical assistance to highway users, reduce vehicle downtime and enhance the overall travel experience on India's expanding highway network. The initiative comes as several National Highways and Expressways currently require a larger number of vehicle repair and puncture repair services.
The initiative aims to improve the travel experience on national highways, reduce vehicle downtime and ensure prompt mechanical assistance to commuters and freight operators during breakdowns and emergencies. As reported by NHLML, it has been observed that a larger number of vehicle and puncture repair services are required on several National Highways and Expressways. The availability of such facilities is expected to help motorists and freight operators deal with vehicle breakdowns and emergencies more efficiently, preventing delays, inconvenience and potential safety risks. According to the Ministry of Road Transport & Highways, the initiative is aimed at improving the overall National Highway travel experience, reducing vehicle downtime, enhancing road safety and ensuring prompt assistance to commuters as well as freight operators travelling on the National Highway corridors.
Under existing lease agreements with concessionaires and lessees, a range of facilities can be developed in addition to the mandatory amenities prescribed for each WSA. According to the statement, vehicle repair shops and puncture repair facilities are among the permissible facilities under the contractual framework. Zee News reports that NHLML is developing a network of modern Wayside Amenities across the country under the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model on a long-term lease basis. Existing lease agreements with concessionaires and lessees already permit the development of several additional facilities alongside mandatory amenities, including vehicle repair shops and puncture repair services.
The wayside amenities are being developed as integrated service hubs for commuters and commercial vehicle operators on national highways and expressways. As reported by NHLML, the initiative is part of NHAI's efforts to create user-centric highway infrastructure and seamless mobility services while meeting the needs of commuters and logistics operators across the country. According to officials, expanding repair and maintenance facilities at these locations will support seamless mobility and strengthen roadside assistance services. The Wayside Amenities are envisioned as integrated service hubs that provide essential amenities to commuters and commercial vehicle operators on National highways and expressways. The development of such facilities will complement the broader objective of creating world-class National Highway infrastructure and delivering seamless mobility services to National Highway users.
