New Delhi: The Ministry of Defence (MoD) has approved establishment of wayside amenities at 75 locations on different sections of roads with the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) in 12 states and union territories. These ‘BRO Cafes’ will provide basic amenities and comfort to tourists, and also aim to boost economic activities in the border areas, besides generating employment for the local residents, the Ministry of Defence said.
In a press release, the MoD said the BRO has its reach in the remotest border areas and has been instrumental in the socio-economic upliftment of northern and eastern borders, resulting in increased tourist influx in the hitherto inaccessible scenic locations.
“In order to provide conducive and comfortable transit of tourists on these roads located at harsh climatic and geographical conditions, the need to establish multi-utility wayside amenities along the major tourist circuits in these regions was recognised,” the ministry said.
The BRO, it added, took it upon itself to open such facilities at remote places “since the inaccessibility and remoteness of these roads preclude widespread commercial deployments”.
Under the scheme, wayside amenities will be developed and operated in public-private partnership mode with agencies on licence basis, the MoD said, adding that these agencies will design, build and operate the facilities as per BRO guidelines.
The BRO Cafes propose to have parking for two and four wheelers, a food plaza or restaurant, separate restrooms for men, women and differently abled, and first aid facilities/MI Rooms among other amenities. The selection of agencies will be done through a competitive process, and the terms of the agreement will be for 15 years which may be further extended for up to another five years, the ministry said.
According to the plan, Arunachal Pradesh will have the most — 19 — number of BRO Cafes, followed by 14 in Ladakh and 12 in J&K.
Locations Of 75 BRO Cafes
- Arunachal Pradesh: Daporijo, Bame, Koloriang, Pasighat, Menchuka, Moying, Thumbin, Yinkiong, Tippi, Durga Mandir, Km 79, Tenga, Rama Camp, Sela Top, Tawang, Jengthu, Hayuliang, Wakro, Changwinti
- Assam: Tezpur Town, BP Tinali
- Himachal Pradesh: Km 8.5, Km .5, Km 11.8, Sissu, Manali, Kharo, Sumdo
- Jammu & Kashmir: TeePee, Tragbal, Hussaingaon, Km 95, Km 117.90, Km 58, Galhar, Siot, Bathuni, Budhal, Kapotha, Surankote
- Ladakh: Matiyan, Kargil, Mulbek, Khaltse, Leh, Hunder, Choglamsar, Rumtse, Debring, Pang, Sarchu, Agham, Nyoma, Hanle
- Manipur: Km 0
- Nagaland: Jakhama
- Punjab: Fazilka
- Rajasthan: Tanot Dett, Km 44.40, Sadhuwali village, Birdhwal, Arjansar
- Sikkim: Kupup Dett
- Uttarakhand: Darkot, Km 61, Km 57.44, Bhaironghati, Birahi, Gwaldham, Pandukeshwar, Manera bypass, Nagni, Kamand, Majri grant
- West Bengal: Melli