Leh, August 12, 2026: Administrative Secretary, Planning, Development and Monitoring Department (PD&MD), UT Ladakh, Himanshu Gupta, chaired a meeting to review a comprehensive plan for developing wayside amenities at strategic locations across Ladakh, with a focus on improving road travel facilities, strengthening tourism infrastructure and creating opportunities for local entrepreneurship.
The proposal aims to establish well-planned facilities such as toilets, cafeterias, parking and seating areas along major roads and high-footfall tourist routes, particularly in remote areas where basic public amenities remain limited.
Secretary, PWD, Baseer-ul-Haq Choudhary, highlighted the need for safe, clean and accessible facilities, particularly for women and families undertaking long road journeys. He noted that such infrastructure could further support tourism and local economic activity.
Himanshu Gupta directed Deputy Commissioners to identify suitable government land at high-footfall locations and major tourist routes. He stressed the need for a financially sustainable model with minimum construction and maximum utility.
Under the proposed framework, suitable government land may be allotted to SIDCO for development through a transparent PPP/bidding model. The government would facilitate basic requirements such as land and, wherever feasible, electricity and water, while selected private operators would develop and manage the facilities.
District-wise locations under review
Leh: Land near the Gurudwara area to be assessed; existing facility at Upshi to be considered for upgradation.
Changthang: Strategic locations including Pangong, Nyoma and Hanle to be explored, with scope for local entrepreneurs.
Nubra: North Pullu and other prominent tourist locations to be assessed.
Sham Valley: Locations around Alchi and Khaltsi to be examined for integrated facilities with adequate parking and public amenities.
Kargil: Khangral and other high-footfall areas to be assessed through site visits, with consultations involving hospitality stakeholders and local entrepreneurs.
Drass: Minamarg and Kargil War Memorial identified for consideration.
Zanskar: Suitable sites along the Rangdum–Kargyak corridor and other major tourist routes to be explored.
The Administrative Secretary emphasised that the initiative should go beyond basic roadside infrastructure and create safe, clean, attractive and economically viable visitor hubs that promote tourism, employment and local entrepreneurship.
Deputy Commissioners were directed to undertake field assessments, 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.
