MoRTH Invites Comments on Draft Policy for Development of Wayside Amenities on Private Land

The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) has released a draft policy for public consultation titled “Policy for Development, Operations and Management of Wayside Amenities (WSAs) on Private Land along National Highways and National Expressways” vide circular bearing reference number A-39011/1/2025 dated July 30, 2025 (the “Draft Policy 2025”).

The Draft Policy 2025 seeks to transform India’s national highways into commuter-friendly corridors by encouraging private landowners to develop WSAs on a franchise model through the National Highways Logistics Management Limited (NHLML).

India’s National Highway (NH) and National Expressway (NE) network spans over 1,46,000 km (as of March 2025), forming the core infrastructure for goods and passenger movement. While 900 WSAs are already under development on government land, the target is to establish ~5,000 WSAs at every 30-40 km on both sides of NHs and NEs. To meet this scale, private participation is imperative.

Key Highlights of the Draft Policy 2025:

• Land Eligibility and Location Criteria

• • Land must abut an NH or NE, with a minimum of two lanes and paved shoulders.
  • Must lie within ±1 km of a designated WSA location or, in case of NEs, near entry/exit points.
  • Requires a minimum frontage of 100 meters (50 meters for hilly terrain).
  • Land must be vacant, encumbrance-free, and should not fall in non-construction zones or within 5 km of any city or town limits.
  • All land use conversion approvals are to be secured by the landowner.

• Lease and Franchise Model
  • The land will be leased to NHLML for 30 years at a nominal annual fee of ₹100.
  • The landowner shall incorporate a company under the Companies Act, 2013, for development and management of the WSA under a franchise agreement with NHLML.
  • NHLML will prescribe standard layouts and categories based on land size:
    • Up to 2 acres
    • 2–5 acres
    • More than 5 acres
• Design, Development, and Regulatory Requirements
  • 60% of land area must remain open for parking and landscaping.
  • Built-up area must not exceed 35% subject to local FAR norms.
  • No modification of the standard design or specifications is permitted without prior written approval from NHLML.
  • 24×7 operations are mandatory.
  • Franchisees must construct acceleration and deceleration lanes at their own coast.

• Mandatory and Permissible Facilities
  • Mandatory facilities include:

1. 1. • Food court/restaurants
      • Clean toilets (for men, women, and persons with disabilities)
      • Drinking water
      • Parking for all vehicles
      • Medical first aid
      • Baby care rooms
      • Driver rest areas and dormitories
      • Washing bays for vehicles
      • Kiosks for local artisans and SHGs under ODOP (One District One Product).

• • Permissible facilities include:
    • Fuel stations and EV charging
    • ATM, telecom towers
    • Vehicle repair shops and spare part outlets
    • Self-service laundry and cooking for truckers
    • Open gyms, tourist help desks
    • Franchisees may set up convenience stores over no more than 2% of the WSA area. Sale or consumption of alcohol is strictly prohibited.

• Financial Model:
  • Franchisees bear all capital and operating costs.
  • Franchise fee:
    • ₹100/month for first 3 years
    • ₹25,000/month from year 4 onwards, indexed annually (70% WPI + 30% CPI).
  • 25% concession on fee if trucker facilities are operated as per NHLML benchmarks.
• Alternate Development Model:

  If the landowner chooses not to develop the WSA, they may lease the land to NHLML (30 years). NHLML will select a developer via competitive bidding, and the landowner receives annual lease rent net of agency charges.

• Termination and End of Lease
  • Termination triggers include:
    • Failure to comply with design or operational standards.
    • Default in payment of franchise fee for two consecutive months.
    • Inactivity for three consecutive months.
  • Franchisees may voluntarily exit by providing nine months’ notice.
  • Upon lease expiry:
    • The lease may be extended for another 30 years by mutual consent.
    • In case of non-extension, the WSA shall revert to the landowner, who must apply afresh for access permission under the National Highways (Control of Land) Act, 2002.

Public and stakeholder feedback is invited until 21st August 2025. Suggestions may be emailed to: directorlogistic-rth@gov.in.

This draft policy represents a pivotal shift in India’s highway infrastructure strategy by integrating private landowners into the development of commuter amenities by leveraging the franchise model anchored by NHLML, the policy aims to ensure uniformity in standards, improve facilities for commuters and truckers, and accelerate infrastructure development alongside India’s expanding highway network.

Stakeholders including infrastructure developers, legal advisors, hospitality service providers, logistics operators, and landowners are encouraged to review and submit comments on the policy within the stipulated time.