Subsidy for Wayside Amenities Projects in Gujarat

🚗 Subsidy for Wayside Amenities Projects in Gujarat

Boosting Highway Tourism Under Gujarat Tourism Policy 2021–25

With increasing vehicle traffic and inter-city travel across Gujarat, wayside amenities have become an essential part of the state’s infrastructure to enhance travel comfort and boost local tourism. Recognizing this need, the Government of Gujarat, under its Tourism Policy 2021–25, has introduced a dedicated subsidy scheme to encourage private and public sector investment in developing modern rest-stop facilities on highways and district roads.

In this blog, we explain in detail the definition, eligibility, benefits, and step-by-step process for availing subsidies for Wayside Amenities Projects in Gujarat.

🛣️ What Are Wayside Amenities?

Wayside Amenities (WSA) are roadside facilities for travelers that enhance comfort, safety, and convenience. These amenities are typically developed along:

• National Highways (NH)
• State Highways (SH)
• Major District Roads (MDR)
• Other District Roads (ODR)

A typical Wayside Amenities project includes:

• Food court or restaurant
• Retail stores or convenience shops
• Car and bus parking
• Clean toilets for men, women, and persons with disabilities
• Drinking water, baby care room, and first-aid services
• Internet/Wi-Fi (mandatory for NH/SH, optional for ODR)

Such projects can be either new setups or expansions with a minimum capital investment of ₹50 lakh, built as per the GoG guidelines dated 04-08-2020 and its future amendments.

🏛️ Benefits Under Gujarat Tourism Policy 2021–25

✅ 1. Capital Subsidy – 15%

💡 Eligible investment includes cost of construction, interiors, equipment, civil infrastructure, etc. Land cost is excluded.

✅ 2. 100% Exemption from Electricity Duty (5 Years)

• Complete electricity duty exemption for the first 5 years of commercial operation.
• The Tourism Department will issue a sanction to the electricity board based on the first electricity bill.

✅ 3. 100% Reimbursement of Stamp Duty and Registration Fee

• Applicable on land/lease agreements, as long as they relate to the setup of wayside amenities as per government-approved guidelines.

✅ 4. Subsidy for Green Building and Sustainability Certification

✅ Membership or renewal fees are not eligible.

📍 Land Area & Location Guidelines

To ensure standardized and accessible infrastructure, projects must comply with these land requirements:

Important Notes:

• Site must be at least 5 km away from toll plazas
• Covered area should not exceed 40% of total land, or lower if mandated by local bye-laws
• Projects with 10 or more lettable rooms will be considered under the hotel category and treated accordingly for incentives

📆 Policy Period & Eligibility

• Operative Period: 1st January 2021 to 31st December 2025
• Eligible for both new projects and expansions (50%+ capacity increase)
• Must start commercial operations during the policy period
• Must register as a Tourism Unit at https://tourism.gujarat.gov.in

🧾 Minimum Mandatory Facilities for Wayside Amenities

1. ✅ Food Court / Restaurant
2. ✅ Retail Arcade (Shops, Convenience Stores)
3. ✅ Drinking Water
4. ✅ Separate Toilets (Male, Female, Divyang)
5. ✅ Car & Bus Parking
6. ✅ First-Aid Box
7. ✅ Baby Care Room
8. ✅ Wi-Fi/Internet (mandatory for NH/SH)

🧭 Application Process – Step-by-Step

Step 1: Project Planning

Prepare a Detailed Project Report (DPR) with layout, cost estimate, land ownership/lease proof, and operational plan.

Step 2: Registration

Register the unit on Gujarat Tourism’s official portal and obtain recognition.

Step 3: Project Implementation

Begin construction and complete the project as per specifications and within policy deadlines.

Step 4: Commercial Operation

Start operations and generate your first commercial bill—this marks your official operational start.

Step 5: Apply for Subsidies

File the subsidy claim within 180 days of the commercial start date with supporting documents (bills, invoices, photos, certification, etc.)

💼 Example – Sample Subsidy Calculation

❓ FAQs

1. Can I develop a petrol pump as part of WSA?

✅ Yes, as long as the core facilities (food, restrooms, parking, etc.) are fulfilled.

1. Do I need to provide hotel rooms?

❌ No, not mandatory. However, if you have 10 or more rooms, you’ll be treated as a hotel project under the tourism policy.

1. Is it applicable for projects on district roads?

✅ Yes. Subsidy is applicable for wayside amenities along NH, SH, MDR, and ODR.

📞 Need Expert Help?

Book your consultation At Adroit Corporation, we help you:

• Prepare your business model and DPR
• Select the right loan structure
• Get the subsidy application right
• Track and follow-up till disbursement

📧 Email us: sales@adroitcorporation.in
📱 Call us: 7203010101 or 8734010101
🌐 Visit: www.adroitcorporation.in

Rajesh Savaniya