BRO to setup 26 roadsidecafes in J&K, Ladakh as MoD nods project

Yogesh Sagotra
Jammu: Following the clearance for Union Ministry of Defence (MoD) for establishment of 75 roadside facilities at border locations in 12 states and UTs across the country, the Border Road Organisation (BRO) will set up 26 cafes in J&K and Ladakh.
“Among proposed 75 roadside facilities, 14 will be established in the Union Territory of Ladakh while 12 in Jammu and Kashmir,” a source informed The News Now.
He added that the project is aimed to boost economical activities in border areas, besides generating employment for the local people, these Cafes are intended to provide basic amenities and comfort to the tourists and travelers.
He informed that the proposed 12 locations in Jammu and Kashmir are TeePee, Tragbal, Hussaingaon, Km 95, Km 117.90, Km 58, Galhar, Siot, Bathuni, Budhal, Kapotha, Surankot while 14 locations of Ladakh are Matiyan, Kargil, Mulbek, Khaltse, Leh, Hunder, Choglamsar, Rumtse, Debring, Pang, Sarchu, Agham, Nyoma, Hanle.
“Out of total 75, 45 cafés will come up in North India. The locations include 14 in Ladakh, 12 in Jammu and Kashmir, 11 in Uttarakhand, seven in Himachal Pradesh and one in Punjab,” a statement issued by defenece ministry reads.
In Himachal Pradesh, it will be in Km 8.5, Km .5, Km 11.8, Sissu, Manali, Kharo, Sumdo. In Punjab, it will be in Fazilka.
In Uttarakhand, it will be in Darkot, Km 61, Km 57.44, Bhaironghati, Birahi, Gwaldham, Pandukeshwar, Manera bypass, Nagni and Kamand.
With 19 locations, Arunachal Pradesh in the East tops the list. The other states where these cafes will come up are Assam, Manipur, Nagaland, West Bengal and Sikkim in the eastern theatre and Rajasthan in the west.
In Arunachal Pradesh, the cafes will be made in Daporijo, Bame, Koloriang, Pasighat, Menchuka, Moying, Thumbin, Yinkiong, Tippi, Durga Mandir, Km 79, Tenga, Rama Camp, SelaTop, Tawang, Jengthu, Hayuliang, Wakro, Changwinti.
In Assam, it will be in Tezpur Town and BP Tinali. In Nagaland, it will be in Jakhama. In Sikkim, the cafe will be in Kupup Dett.
In West Bengal, it will be in Melli.
In Rajasthan, such cafes will come up in Tanot Dett, SadhuwaliVill, Birdhwal and Arjansar.
“The scheme paves way for development in rural areas. Operation of wayside amenities in public-private partnership mode under a licence agreement with various agencies would be done in accordance with guidelines framed by BRO,” the statement reads.
“Amenities like parking for vehicles, food plaza or restaurant, separate restrooms for men, women and differently abled, first aid facilities and medical aid, etc. are proposed to be provided at the cafes,” it said.
The licenses will be issued to eligible agencies through a competitive process. The terms of the agreement will be for 15 years which may be further extended for a period up to five years.