Odisha's 68 Wayside Amenity Centers to Reopen Next Month After Renovation
In a significant boost to tourism infrastructure across Odisha, all 68 wayside amenity centers currently undergoing renovation are set to become operational by next month. This decision emerged from a recent high-level review meeting held in Bhubaneswar, marking a crucial step toward enhancing traveler comfort and convenience throughout the state.
Distribution of Development Responsibilities
The network of wayside centers represents a collaborative effort between two key government departments. Eighteen of these facilities were originally constructed by the state's tourism department, while the remaining fifty centers were established by the works department. These strategically located stops have been developed over several years along major transportation corridors, including national highways, state highways, and important roads that lead to popular tourist destinations.
Facilities and Previous Condition
These centers were designed to provide essential amenities for travelers, featuring:
- Designated parking spaces for vehicles
- Clean toilet facilities
- Comfortable rest sheds for relaxation
Unfortunately, due to prolonged lack of proper maintenance, most of these centers had fallen into a state of disrepair. Many stood in dilapidated condition, while others were completely abandoned, failing to serve their intended purpose of offering refreshment and respite to tourists and road travelers.
Current Renovation Progress
Officials from the Odisha Tourism Development Corporation (OTDC) have provided encouraging updates on the restoration work. The repair and maintenance of the tourism department's 18 centers have been substantially completed, with only one exception. The center at Jharbeda in Sundargarh district remains unfinished due to the absence of a proper approach road, presenting a unique logistical challenge.
Simultaneously, OTDC has undertaken the responsibility of repairing all 50 wayside amenity centers that fall under the works department's jurisdiction. The tourism department has issued a clear directive to OTDC, mandating the completion of all renovation work by the end of February to ensure the centers can reopen as scheduled next month.
Ongoing Supervision and Quality Assurance
To prevent future deterioration and ensure consistent service quality, the department has implemented a robust monitoring system. Tourism development officers have been instructed to conduct regular visits to all wayside amenity centers within their respective jurisdictions. Their responsibilities include:
- Supervising the performance of personnel assigned to security, sanitation, and maintenance duties
- Identifying and reporting any deficiencies at each center within a strict two-week timeframe
- Ensuring prompt resolution of reported issues to maintain facility standards
This renewed focus on infrastructure maintenance represents a comprehensive approach to revitalizing Odisha's tourism support systems, promising enhanced travel experiences for both domestic and international visitors exploring the state's diverse attractions.
