PATH Recharge: Stepping into Wayside Business

Nipun Agrawal, Director, Prakash Asphaltings & Toll Highway (India) Limited, says, being part of the Government’s initiatives to enhance travel comfort on highways is an extension of the company’s vision to provide smart and safe mobility.

Details about PATH Recharge projects and plans for operation

We have been bidding for these projects and we have won tenders for 24 Wayside Amenities, on the following major national highways and expressways across India.

• Delhi – Mumbai Expressway (NE1) – 12 Locations
• Eastern Peripheral Expressway – 4 Locations
• Jhansi – Kanpur Highway (NH27) – 6 Locations
• Shivpuri – Baran Highway (NH27) – 2 Locations

We have set up a new company with a brand called “PATH Recharge” for operation and maintenance of these facilities. The concept is based on the vision that the increasing highway travellers will need to take a refreshing break to “Recharge” themselves for a safer journey. Hence, we offer them world class facilities and services to Refuel, Recharge, Refresh, Rest, Repairs, Restaurants etc.

Currently, nine of our “PATH Recharge” facilities are completed and operational and rest are under various stages of construction.

These amenities are designed to cater to the diverse needs of highway users, offering Fuel Stations, EV Charging, Food Courts, Restaurants, Clean and Hygienic Washrooms, Open Spaces, Dedicated Parking, and separate facilities for truckers such as Dhabas, Dormitory, Showers and Truck Parking, etc.

In order to provide world class services, we have tied up with multiple national and local brands for Fuel, EV Charging, Restaurants and Repair shops to be set up on these facilities. We continue to evaluate new partners for improving our services. Some of our esteemed partners in this endeavor are:

Fuel:- Indian Oil, HPCL, Jio BP

EV Charging:- Volttic

Restaurants:- Village Food Courts, Mannat Haveli, Haldiram’s, Urban Dhaba, Shahi Virsat, Hotel Tokas, Desi Tikkad, Chai Adda

Retail:- Shop n Stop, Reebok

Repairs:- Rajesh Motors (Tata Motors Authorized Service Center)

Housekeeping:- BVG India

Currently, we are operating the fuel pumps with our in house staff and we are also developing in house capabilities for bringing in efficiencies, in operations and maintenance of these facilities.

We are committed to providing a fulfilling experience to the road users, so that they can have smooth, safe and relaxed journey. With these facilities and such experience on highways, we expect there will be a further increase in people opting for road travel. Furthermore, the inclusion of EV Charging infrastructure is expected to support and boost the adoption of electric vehicles, contributing to sustainable transportation practices.

We were glad to participate and show case our Wayside Amenities, in the recently concluded Ropeway and Wayside Amenities Symposium and Expo, held on Yashobhumi on 23-Jan-24 in Dwarka, New Delhi. The symposium was inaugurated by Hon’ble Minister of RTH Sh. Nitin Gadkariji.

Through these initiatives, we aim to not only meet the current needs of highway users but also contribute to the evolution of a safer, more convenient, and environmentally conscious travel infrastructure.