Bhubaneswar, Feb. 22: Your long and arduous journey will no longer be tiresome, if the works department has its way.

It is planning to set up wayside amenity centres along national and state highways for travellers to take rest.

The proposed centres, which would be called Biju Pathasraya (inns), will have a range of facilities that includes food courts, parking lots, restrooms and much more.

"We have decided to construct the amenity centres on government land. These would be set up with funds from the state budget. We have also decided to use solar power," said B.C. Pradhan, chief engineer (roads).

The proposed centres will have parking space for at least 25 cars and three buses, a watchman shed, cafeteria, essential shops, snacks counters, separate washrooms for men, women and physically challenged persons and also landscaped outdoor.

The works department officials have decided to spend about Rs 5 crore for the construction of each centre. The proposal is to set up 100 centres. However, in the first phase, the officials have decided to set up nearly 30 such amenity centres across the state, two of which will come up along the NH 5 that passes through Bhubaneswar.

"We have identified 30 sites for the construction of wayside amenity centres. We also want to expand the services in future and provide facilities such as ATM counters, first-aid, vehicle repair shops, Wi-Fi and children's play zone," said Pradhan.

Such wayside amenity centres already exist in Kerala, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and Maharashtra where the tourism department, in collaboration with other private partners, maintain these centres. The idea is to facilitate a nice travel experience to the travellers.

"The wayside amenity centre is an excellent idea. It is a broad form of what we call a dhaba where we have basic facilities only. But I am amazed to know that they are going to provide a wide range of facilities at these centres. I hope it turns out to be a great place for the commuters," said Arjun Mahanada, a traveller.

"The project proposal will be placed before the approval board and chief minister Naveen Patnaik for their nod. We are hoping that the project will take off in the next financial year," said a senior official of the works department.

The department has also decided to rope in Green Energy Development Corporation here to provide the solar power at these centres. It will also invite organisations such as Omfed to set up their stalls at the proposed centres.