NHAI asks wayside amenity operators to set up vehicle, puncture repair facilities on highways

National Highways Authority of India’s logistics arm has directed field offices to ask operators of wayside amenities along highways and expressways to prioritise setting up vehicle repair and puncture repair facilities.

National Highways Logistics Management Ltd (NHLML), a wholly owned company of the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), has asked its field offices to advise lessees of Wayside Amenities (WSAs) to establish such facilities at the earliest, according to an official statement issued on Monday.

The move is aimed at improving the travel experience on national highways, reducing vehicle downtime and ensuring prompt mechanical assistance to commuters and freight operators during breakdowns and emergencies.

“It has been observed that a larger number of vehicle and puncture repair services are required on several National Highways and Expressways,” the statement said, adding that the facilities would help highway users access timely assistance and avoid inconvenience, delays and safety concerns.

NHLML is developing a network of modern wayside amenities on a long-term lease basis under the public-private partnership model.

Under existing lease agreements with concessionaires and lessees, a range of facilities can be developed in addition to the mandatory amenities prescribed for each WSA.

Vehicle repair shops and puncture repair facilities are among the permissible facilities under the contractual framework, the statement said.

The wayside amenities are being developed as integrated service hubs for commuters and commercial vehicle operators on national highways and expressways, it added.

The statement said the initiative is part of NHAI’s efforts to create user-centric highway infrastructure and seamless mobility services while meeting the needs of commuters and logistics operators across the country.