Page 24 - TT Mag Jan 2024 Digital edition

ON THE COVER

period is offered. Prior to facility currently under the tender stage of driving, people generally look for
implementation, a thorough which are targeted to be awarded a rest stop. So, with our wayside
feasibility study is conducted, and by March’24. This indicates that a amenities available, travellers can
a master plan and modelling are total of 400 sites will be awarded stop at different sites along their
prepared. Accordingly, bids are by that time. Furthermore, we have journey. If you see our expressways,
being invited. set a target to award the remaining exits are typically spaced every 50 to
600 sites within the next two years, 60 kilometres, connecting one town
The bidding parameter is the
lease amount; whosoever quotes allowing us to complete all the to another. Therefore, travellers
wayside amenities by March 2026.
the maximum lease amount should find facilities conveniently
is awarded the site. However, We offer a development period of 8 located in between towns also.
paramount importance is placed on to 10 months to the concessioner, by So, our planning ensures this
site monitoring, facilitated through which they are required to complete convenience. Systematic planning
Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) the project and operationalize it. is also done while identifying new
outlined in our documentation. Once the basic mandatory facilities sites. While developing a new
These KPIs meticulously track the are made available to road users, the highway, complete feasibility study
maintenance of facilities, ensuring facility is considered operationalized. on the type of locations is conducted
cleanliness of toilets, proper provision for complexes that helps prepare a
of amenities, and overall site upkeep. Why a WSA is needed complete master plan.
The systematic planning of these every 40 to 60 kms? Indian Road Congress defines
KPIs ensures effective monitoring the codes and standards. Proper
and maintenance of facilities. Typically, it is found that after
traveling for 45 minutes to an hour, acceleration and deceleration
Are you keeping pace commuters seek amenities like lanes, along with proper signage
indicating exits from the highways
with the overall plans? rest rooms, eateries etc. While not
everyone stops every hour; some to the sites and entrances from the
Out of the planned 1000 wayside may wait for two hours before sites to the highways, are provided
amenities, 200 have already been taking a break. However, after in accordance with the Indian Road
awarded, and an additional 200 are about two to two and a half hours Congress guidelines.

24 TrafficInfraTech / January 2024 / www.trafficinfratech.com