Finding a suitable space to take a leak while travelling along the state and national highways in Kerala is the worst nightmare for any traveller. Finally, the issue has been solved with the Kerala government setting up 955 roadside rest centers under the “Take a Break” scheme.
As per the latest details available from the state government, 523 centers have begun operation and they have been geotagged for easy location tracking while construction of 432 centers is progressing.
The state government has implemented Take a Break scheme in association with local self bodies and Suchithwa Mission for providing travellers with a convenient place to take a break and refresh themselves. These rest rooms are equipped with all the necessary amenities including clean and safe washrooms, drinking water, seating areas, beverages and mobile phone charging pods.
The initiative has been a welcome from travellers, who feel that the government has finally done something for the convenience of travellers, mainly women who face difficulty finding safe washrooms while travelling.
Upendra Narayan, director of Indian Institute of Road Safety and Member of Road Safety Council, said the rest centres were a welcome initiative as it enables the drivers on long drives to take rest and refresh without feeling tired.
“I submitted a similar proposal about the need to set up rest rooms for long distance drivers to the government a few years back. This will reduce road accidents caused by driver fatigue,” he said.
According to official details, three types of complexes are being built as part of the effort to create a cleaner Kerala: basic-level recreation centers for up to 150 daily users, standard-level centers for more than 150 users, and premium-level centers. “These rest centers are designed to be accessible to people of all categories. Kudumbasree workers will be in charge of the project,” said a government official.
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