Maharashtra: PWD to Build 350-400 Wayside Hubs with Restrooms and Eateries Along State Highways

Pune, 18th February 2025: In response to the growing need for restrooms along state highways, the Maharashtra Public Works Department (PWD) has announced plans to collaborate with private agencies to establish 350-400 wayside hubs along its one lakh km road network. These hubs will include restrooms and eateries, addressing critical infrastructure gaps along major roadways.

The hubs will be strategically placed 30 to 40 kilometers apart, with key locations across all districts already identified, according to a senior PWD official. While the land for these hubs will be provided by the PWD, private contractors will be responsible for maintaining and operating the facilities under contractual agreements.

Construction work has already begun at select locations, with additional sites still being finalized. The department has consulted with agencies that have successfully implemented similar services in other states, and they are currently evaluating proposals to select the most suitable contractors.

“Several private agencies have submitted proposals, and we are assessing them carefully. Many of these agencies are already operating along national highways, offering services such as smart toilets, sleeping pods, and EV charging stations,” said the official.

These advanced facilities are already operational in locations like Krishnagiri (Bengaluru-Chennai highway), Walayar (Tamil Nadu-Kerala border), Indore (Madhya Pradesh), Bilaspur (Chhattisgarh), and Rameswaram (Tamil Nadu), among others.

The initiative aims to enhance travel comfort and fill critical infrastructure gaps along state highways. “We are developing a comprehensive mapping strategy to ensure adequate restroom facilities along the highways,” the official added.

This initiative is particularly significant for long-distance travelers, who often struggle to find restrooms on lengthy highway stretches.

To make the project sustainable, the PWD plans to implement a model that could include minimal charges for using the facilities, while some contractors may operate eateries to help offset maintenance costs. Each district will see around 8-10 such hubs constructed on major roads.

While some of these facilities are already operational, such as the ones near Ekvira temple, featuring both restrooms and eateries, the PWD plans to replicate similar hubs at other locations within the next six months. Additionally, the department is developing an app to help travelers easily locate these amenities, which will either integrate with Google Maps or function as a standalone app.

However, some regular commuters have expressed concerns about the maintenance of these facilities, pointing out that earlier projects often deteriorated over time. Activists advocating for better public infrastructure have also highlighted the need for third-party inspections to ensure that these facilities meet high standards and are properly maintained.