Page 17 - TT Mag Jan 2024 Digital edition

ON THE COVER

There has been
a paradigm shift
in the approach
towards building
infrastructure in India,
from need based to
an integrated long-
term development
strategy. The initiative
of central and state
governments to
introduce WSAs is a
win-win situation for
sponsors, vendors,
local economy,
all corners of our country. All the Land pooling model tourism and above all
amenities will have stalls where The Maharashtra State Road motorists.
farmers can sell their local produce.
Development Corporation
Most of the states and (MSRDC) proposes to implement
implementing agencies for a land pooling scheme for the constructing wayside amenities
highways / expressways are construction of wayside amenities at each location is expected to be
getting WSAs approved. The plan along the highways it is executing. around Rs 50 crore and the agencies
for Mumbai – Delhi Expressway Under this model, citizens will responsible for the construction
includes, apart from blocks need to give up 50 per cent of will have to complete the work
for visitors, truckers and office their land and, in return, receive within a two-year timeframe. Given
purposes, facilities for the persons a similar share of developed land that the landholders in the area
with disabilities will also be provided to establish wayside amenities. are primarily farmers, MSRDC is
in accordance with ‘Sugama Bharat It is currently being considered exploring the possibility of forming
Abhiyan’ of the Ministry of Social for several projects, including the a joint venture with a partner who
Justice & Empowerment. 172-km Pune ring road, the 720- has significant capital to initiate
km Mumbai-Nagpur Samruddhi
In continuance with the NHAI the wayside amenities project.
WSA programme, the Tamil Nadu Mahamarg, the 128-km Vasai-
State Highways (SH) Department Alibaug Expressway, and the ORR Telangana
will set up wayside amenities 178-km Jalna-Nanded Expressway. The Hyderabad Growth Corridor
aimed at ensuring the comfort The process will begin with Limited (HGCL) is planning to
of motorists at three points 16 spots along the Samruddhi develop wayside amenities and
alongside the roads managed by it corridor and then be rolled out multi-fuel stations at interchanges
as announced by the Government. in all other projects. “We have of the expressway along Outer Ring
The PPP model would have facilities identified spots along the highway Road (ORR). As part of the project,
such as restaurants, ATMs, a play near Aurangabad and Igatpuri HGCL developed 19 interchanges
area for children, parking space for along the Samruddhi corridor. and intends to develop various
buses and heavy and light motor There would be around eight spots wayside amenities which will be
vehicles and fuel stations. “The along the Nagpur corridor side and equipped with washrooms, food
lands required have been identified the Mumbai corridor,” he said. The courts, local handicrafts outlets,
and are owned by the department. minimum investment required for grocery, medical shops, truck and

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