Fuelling comfort

<div class="section0"><div class="Normal"><span style="" font-size:="">CHANDIGARH: If Bharat Petroleum has its way, travel on the highway is set to evolve to a different dimension. Its fuel outlets won’t just be places where the car alone can tank up, passengers too may ease out to charge their batteries.</span><br /><br /><span style="" font-size:="">Picture this: A petrol pump offering not just fuel but also a swimming pool, gymnasium, restaurant, a shopping complex, ATMs and a motel.</span><br /><br /><span style="" font-size:="">In fact, after the launch of the first such model outlet housing a swimming pool ten days ago at Mathura on the Delhi-Agra highway, plans are on for another shortly at Doraha, near Ludhiana.</span><br /><br /><span style="" font-size:="">Having taken the initiative earlier of introducing the ‘In & Out Concept’ offering automatic car wash, ATM, super market and coffee kiosk apart from dispensing fuel, BP has now major plans to enhance these facilities and set up 10 recreational fuel outlets country-wide.</span><br /><br /><span style="" font-size:="">Rajeev Mishra, area-marketing manager (Punjab) said that now that the concept has taken off, they are planning a similar one at Doraha. The plans would, however, be subject to the response to the Mathura outlet.</span><br /><br /><span style="" font-size:="">Mishra said that BP plans to open 10 such outlets in the next five years with an investment of Rs 3.5 crore. “The idea is to offer a relaxing break to motorists and tourists travelling on the busiest and hottest highways,� he assured.</span><br /><br /><span style="" font-size:="">For all you know, the next most happening hangout place may not be the latest disco or mall but the good old neighbourhood petrol pump. BP certainly thinks so.</span></div> </div>