Himachal PWD plans to open 79 historic rest houses to boost tourism

In a bid to entice tourists and boost income, the Himachal Pradesh Public Works Department (PWD) has unveiled plans to open up 79 historic rest houses, including those in remote areas of Lahaul-Spiti, Bharmaur, and Kinnaur districts, for online reservations. This move is part of a comprehensive strategy to revamp century-old structures, transforming them into comfortable and affordable accommodations. The decision to make these rest houses accessible to the public aims at fostering tourism and augmenting the state’s revenue. PWD Minister Vikramaditya Singh stressed that funds generated from room rents will fund facility upgrades and the restoration of historical rest houses, with select rooms reserved for VIP guests. To streamline management and bookings, the PWD intends to establish a society led by the local superintendent engineer to oversee the online booking system. Presently, only one VIP room in each rest house meets acceptable standards, necessitating comprehensive improvements. Singh acknowledged the subpar conditions of most rest houses and outlined a plan to upgrade all 1,800 rooms, transforming them into VIP facilities. Outsourcing management is a pivotal aspect of the plan, geared towards enhancing operations and service delivery. A notable change involves implementing a daily fee for occupants, requiring those staying in rest houses to pay ₹500 per day and an additional ₹600 daily fee for perimeter houses, with separate charges for food. The restoration and enhancement of British-era rest houses add a cultural dimension to the project, preserving heritage while offering modern amenities. The initiative has garnered praise from tourism enthusiasts and experts, underscoring its potential to attract visitors to lesser-known locations, creating memorable experiences, and generating revenue for the PWD. The opening of rest houses is anticipated to contribute to improved management, maintenance, and sustainability over time.