Sambalpur, Aug. 29: A wayside amenities centre will soon be set up in Rairakhol to provide tourists improved facilities during their transit journeys.

"We have already identified two acres of land at Nayapalli in Rairakhol for the wayside amenities centre. The land is located along the Cuttack-Sambalpur Highway. We have also moved the revenue department for delineation of the land. The work on this project will begin after taking possession of the land. Around Rs 1.5 crore will be spent on the project," said Rabindra Kumar Dalei, Sambalpur district tourist officer.

The proposed centre will have a restaurant, toilets, souvenir shop, parking space, children's play centre and a host of other facilities. The work will be carried out under the Jajabara project of the state government. "The roadside amenities centre is bound to attract a large number of tourists to the district," said Dalei.

"The tourists will get a proper place to take a break, rest, eat and spend some quality time during their journey at the tourist hotspots," said Bimal Dash, a frequent traveller.

"Rairakhol is the perfect place for setting up the wayside amenities centre. It will certainly help in attracting more tourists," said Rajat Panigrahi, a local resident.

There are seven major tourist destinations in Sambalpur district. Thousands of tourists from across the state and also from the neighbouring states visit these tourist places.