Administrative Secretary PD&MD reviews Plan for Development of Wayside Amenities Across Ladakh
12/08/2026
Leh, August 12 (KIP)-Administrative Secretary, Planning, Development and Monitoring Department (PD&MD), UT Ladakh, Himanshu Gupta, chaired a meeting to review a comprehensive proposal for development of wayside amenities at strategic locations across the Union Territory, aimed at improving road-based travel facilities, strengthening tourism infrastructure and enhancing the overall visitor experience.
At the outset, the Administrative Secretary outlined the need for developing well-planned wayside amenities along major roads and highways, particularly in remote and high-footfall tourist destinations where adequate public facilities such as toilets, cafeterias, parking and seating areas are presently limited. He emphasised that the initiative should address basic requirements of travellers while also creating opportunities for local entrepreneurship and sustainable revenue generation.
Secretary, PWD, Baseer-ul-Haq Choudhary, highlighted the importance of establishing such facilities along major road corridors and in remote areas where the absence of basic amenities often discourages people from undertaking long road journeys. He also pointed out the particular challenges faced by women and families travelling long distances and stressed the need for clean, safe and accessible public facilities. The meeting noted that professionally developed wayside amenities at suitable locations could significantly improve road connectivity, tourism and local economic activity.
The Administrative Secretary directed the Deputy Commissioners to identify high-footfall locations and suitable patches of land in their respective districts, giving priority to major tourist routes and locations with significant visitor movement. He stressed that the facilities should be developed through a practical and financially sustainable model, with minimum construction and maximum utility, including adequate parking, seating, toilets, cafeterias and other essential visitor facilities.
He proposed that suitable Government land identified by the district administrations could be allotted to SIDCO, based on the decisions recorded in the meeting, for development through a transparent PPP/bidding model. Under the proposed framework, the Government would facilitate basic requirements such as land and, wherever feasible, electricity and water, while the selected private operator would develop and operate the facilities under clearly defined terms and conditions. A common design and minimum standard for toilets, cafeterias and other facilities would be developed to ensure uniformity, quality and proper maintenance across Ladakh.
Reviewing the district-wise proposals, the Administrative Secretary directed DC Leh to identify suitable land near the Gurudwara area and assess the feasibility of developing a wayside facility there. The existing wayside facility at Upshi was also reviewed, with directions to explore its upgradation and improvement.
For Changthang, the Deputy Commissioner was directed to identify suitable land at strategic locations including Pangong, Nyoma and Hanle, keeping in view tourist footfall, accessibility and scenic value. The administration was also asked to explore opportunities for participation of local entrepreneurs in operating such facilities.
In Nubra, the Administrative Secretary directed the concerned authorities to identify suitable locations, including the North Pullu area, and other prominent tourist points where wayside amenities could be developed. The focus, he said, should be on locations offering high tourist potential while ensuring adequate land and accessibility.
For Sham Valley, the meeting reviewed the potential of locations around Alchi and Khaltsi. The Administrative Secretary directed the district administration to explore the availability of a sufficiently large land parcel to accommodate parking, public facilities and other amenities in an integrated manner.
In Kargil district, the Administrative Secretary directed the Deputy Commissioner to identify suitable land at Khangral and other high-footfall locations and conduct site visits to assess their feasibility. He also advised the district administration to consult hotels, hospitality stakeholders and local entrepreneurs to understand visitor requirements and develop an appropriate operating model.
For Drass, locations including Minamarg and Kargil War Memorial were discussed for development of wayside amenities. The concerned authorities were directed to assess the suitability of the locations, consult hospitality stakeholders and identify potential operators or bidders.
The meeting also reviewed the potential for development of wayside amenities in Zanskar, with the Administrative Secretary directing the Deputy Commissioner to identify suitable land along the Rangdum–Kargyak corridor and other important tourist routes. He advised the district administration to study successful models of wayside amenities and incorporate suitable features based on local requirements and visitor expectations.
The Administrative Secretary emphasised that the initiative should go beyond merely constructing roadside facilities and should create safe, clean, attractive and economically viable visitor hubs that support tourism, local entrepreneurship and employment. He directed all Deputy Commissioners to undertake field-level assessment, identify suitable sites and submit location-specific proposals for further consideration.
The meeting was attended by Secretary, PWD, Baseer-ul-Haq Choudhary; Deputy Commissioner, Leh, Romil Singh Donk; Director, Industries; Under Secretaries and other senior officers of the concerned departments.