Nabarangpur, 7th Nov 2025: All roadside amenity centres across the state will be renovated by 2026 and made operational by January 1, informed Ghasi Ram Harijan, Acting District Tourism Officer and District Culture Officer.
Since the last general elections, all these centres had remained non-functional. During a recent visit to the Dabugaon roadside amenity centre, P. Amiya Ranjan, an engineer from the Odisha Tourism Development Corporation (OTDC), announced that the centre will soon undergo renovation and development work.
Facilities such as guest houses, restrooms, and toilets will be repaired and upgraded. Fans will be installed, and the interiors repainted to improve comfort. The kitchen and canteen areas will also be renovated. Work is scheduled to begin by November 25, and the entire renovation is expected to be completed by December, making the centre fully functional from January 1, 2026, said engineer P. Amiya Ranjan.
Previously, the Roads and Buildings Department was responsible for the maintenance and management of these centres. Now, this responsibility will be transferred to the Department of Tourism, which will also deploy security guards and staff for smooth operation.
Currently, there are 50 roadside amenity centres in Odisha, including one in Dabugaon, Nabarangpur district. The government also plans to establish 18 new centres across the state.
These facilities were originally set up to provide rest stops for travellers during long journeys. However, over time, most have fallen into disuse. The Odisha Tourism Department has now initiated efforts to restore and reactivate these centres, ensuring they once again serve tourists and travellers across different districts and regions of the state.
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