Bhubaneswar: Odisha has operationalised 68 Way-Side Amenity Centres (WACs) across 25 districts along major National and State Highways, with an investment of around Rs 25 crore, to improve facilities for tourists and commuters while creating livelihood opportunities for women Self-Help Groups (SHGs).
The Department of Tourism has renovated, restored and modernised all the centres, which provide essential facilities such as clean toilets, safe drinking water and resting spaces free of cost. Travellers are required to pay only for food and beverages purchased from the SHGs operating the centres.
Deputy Chief Minister Pravati Parida recently interacted with women SHG members engaged in running the centres to understand their experiences and operational challenges. She appreciated their entrepreneurial efforts and encouraged them to serve hygienic and nutritious traditional Odia cuisine, promote indigenous products and offer warm hospitality to visitors.
Parida said the centres should emerge as platforms to showcase Odisha’s culinary heritage while providing sustainable economic opportunities for women. The initiative is expected to strengthen women’s financial independence, encourage grassroots entrepreneurship and support the rural economy.
To ensure the safety and convenience of travellers, all 68 centres have been equipped with CCTV surveillance systems. DG sets and inverter facilities have also been installed to ensure an uninterrupted power supply.
The centres have also generated employment through their operation and maintenance. District administrations have engaged eight contractual personnel at each centre through CFMS agencies, taking the total deployment to 544. These include 204 security personnel, 272 sanitation workers and 68 maintenance personnel.
The initiative aims to improve the travel experience along major highways while providing women SHG members with an institutional platform to expand their businesses and strengthen their livelihoods. The centres are expected to serve as facilities that combine traveller convenience with local food, products and hospitality.
