Administrative Secy PD&MD reviews Plan for Development of Wayside Amenities

Excelsior Correspondent

LEH, Aug 12: 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 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.