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The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has directed operators of wayside amenities (WSAs) along national highways and expressways to prioritise the establishment of vehicle repair shops and puncture repair facilities. The move is intended to improve commuter convenience and ensure quicker access to mechanical assistance during vehicle breakdowns and emergencies. NHAI said growing traffic volumes across the highway network have increased the need for such services. The facilities will be developed within existing WSA projects being implemented by National Highways Logistics Management Limited (NHLML) under the public-private partnership model. The initiative forms part of broader efforts to strengthen roadside infrastructure and enhance service delivery for highway users and commercial vehicle operators.
The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has instructed its field offices to ensure that operators of wayside amenities (WSAs) along national highways and expressways prioritise the development of vehicle repair shops and puncture repair facilities. The directive was issued on 22 June as part of efforts to improve roadside support services and enhance the overall travel experience for highway users.
According to NHAI, the increasing volume of traffic on several national highways and expressways has created a greater need for accessible vehicle repair and maintenance facilities. The authority noted that the availability of mechanical assistance during vehicle breakdowns and emergency situations is essential to minimise inconvenience, reduce delays and address potential safety concerns for commuters.
The facilities are expected to be developed within the network of modern wayside amenities being established by National Highways Logistics Management Limited (NHLML). The company is implementing these projects through long-term lease arrangements under the public-private partnership (PPP) model.
NHLML’s wayside amenity programme is aimed at creating integrated service hubs that provide a range of facilities for passengers, motorists and commercial vehicle operators travelling on India's highway network. These centres are designed to support long-distance travel through the provision of essential services and convenience infrastructure.
NHAI stated that the existing lease agreements signed with concessionaires and lessees already permit the development of several additional facilities beyond the mandatory amenities prescribed for each WSA project. Vehicle repair shops and puncture repair centres are among the approved facilities that can be established under the contractual framework.
The authority has now directed its field units to encourage lessees to expedite the development of these services, recognising their importance in supporting motorists who may encounter mechanical issues while travelling. The availability of repair facilities at regular intervals along highways is expected to improve response times and reduce disruptions caused by vehicle failures.
The initiative comes as highway authorities continue to focus on expanding user-centric infrastructure alongside road construction and capacity enhancement projects. In recent years, wayside amenities have become an important component of national highway development, providing rest areas, food and beverage outlets, fuel stations and other traveller services.
According to NHAI, the addition of repair and puncture assistance facilities will strengthen the role of these amenities as comprehensive service centres for road users. The authority noted that such developments align with the broader objective of creating high-quality highway infrastructure supported by integrated mobility services.
By expanding the range of services available at wayside amenities, NHAI aims to improve operational efficiency across the highway network while providing greater convenience and support to both passenger and commercial vehicle traffic travelling on national highways and expressways.
Source - PTI
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