NH-48 Makeover: NHAI to Launch Integrated Wayside Amenities

National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has begun plans to develop wayside amenities (WSAs) along major highway stretches in Karnataka to strengthen roadside infrastructure and improve travel convenience for motorists.

The initiative is aimed at providing safe and accessible rest stops, especially for long-distance drivers who often have limited access to quality facilities during extended journeys. The project is being executed through NHAI’s wholly owned special purpose vehicle, National Highways Logistics Management Limited (NHLML), which has invited Expressions of Interest for the development, operation, and management of WSAs on private land.

The facilities are proposed along important stretches of National Highway 48, including the Belagavi–Kolhapur, Tumakuru–Chitradurga, and Chitradurga–Hubli corridors. The planned WSAs will offer integrated services at single locations, such as fuel stations, rest areas, food courts, clean washrooms, and parking spaces for both light and heavy vehicles. The model is expected to improve convenience for travellers and reduce the need for multiple stops during highway journeys.

Officials said the initiative supports the broader vision of the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways to strengthen highway infrastructure, improve road safety, and enhance the overall travel experience across India’s national highway network.

News by Rahul Yelligetti.