Vythiri: Travellers on the national highway can now take a break at Vythiri’s newly inaugurated wayside rest centre. Wayanad District Panchayat President Samshad Marakkar inaugurated the facility, which aims to provide tourists and commuters with essential amenities in a convenient, well-equipped space.

The 1,943 sq. ft. centre has been constructed with a combined allocation of ₹38.40 lakhs from the district panchayat’s own fund, ₹5.97 lakhs as the panchayat’s share and ₹5.21 lakhs as a special grant from the Finance Commission. The ground floor features a cafeteria, a retiring room, a feeding room, and separate restrooms for men, women and the differently-abled.

The centre has been built on land released by the Revenue Department. Kudumbashree has been entrusted with its operation. Vythiri Panchayat President M V Vijesh presided over the function. Kalpetta Block Panchayat President Chandrika Krishnan; District Panchayat Standing Committee Chairpersons Usha Thampy, Muhammed Basheer, and Seetha Vijayan; Vythiri Panchayat Standing Committee Chairpersons N O Devassy, O Jineesha and Thomas; District Panchayat Executive Engineer Jipson Jose; and District Panchayat Secretary Benny Joseph also attended.

“Tourists arriving with prepared food will no longer have to depend on the roadside to eat. The wayside rest centre provides for this. Other necessary facilities for tourists have also been arranged.” said Samshad Marakkar, President,  Wayanad District Panchayat.