Toilets, petrol pumps and foot overbridges on Expressway

Mysore/Mysuru: Amid criticism from commuters travelling between Mysuru and Bengaluru due to the absence of essential amenities such as washrooms, petrol bunks and pedestrian-friendly infrastructure along the 118-km long Expressway, the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has taken a proactive step.

It has awarded a contract valued at Rs 36.5 crore to two companies tasked with constructing toilet blocks, food outlets and foot overbridges.

NHAI officials have outlined the plan, revealing that the access-controlled road will see the construction of four toilet blocks, two Nest (Mini) facilities providing drinking water, tea, coffee, packaged food and inclusive toilets for physically challenged individuals, along with 24 foot overbridges. Work orders for these facilities were issued last month.

Rahul Gupta, NHAI Project Director told reporters that one Nest (Mini) facility and one toilet block will be established on each side of the highway at the Sheshagirihalli Toll Plaza in Ramanagara District and at Gananguru in Srirangapatna Taluk of Mandya District.

The contract value for setting up Nest (Mini) and toilet blocks is Rs. 1.5 crore, while Rs. 35 crore will be allocated for the construction of 24 foot overbridges. These foot overbridges, integral to the project plan and a demand from villagers, will be set up at various locations.

Following discussions with panchayat members and other stakeholders, NHAI aims to complete the foot overbridges by December this year, with the toilet blocks and refreshment outlets ready by March.