In a remote frontier village of Zemithang in West Arunachal Pradesh—proudly known as the First Village of India—a decommissioned Bailey bridge of BRO has been given a remarkable public utility centric makeover. In a record time of just 31 days, the Indian Army in concert with BRO has transformed the unused bridge into a unique riverside tourist hotspot – named “Border Brew Café” under ongoing Operation Sadbhavna.
What was once an unused bridge has now become a lively rendezvous for bikers, tourists and locals alike. Built directly on the old bridge structure, the café offers visitors a memorable experience sipping coffee and relishing local made Momos amid the stunning landscape and over the gushing river in the Eastern Himalayas. More importantly, the initiative has created new opportunities for the local community since the project will be run by the local women body with support from the Indian Army.
The café is managed by women from the Monpa community, who will now run the establishment, welcoming guests with a warm smile, sharing their culture, cuisine, and traditions. The project not only provides sustainable livelihoods but also encourages tourism in this remote border region, helping Zemithang emerge as a unique destination for travellers exploring Arunachal Pradesh.
During his recent visit to Gajraj Corps, Lt Gen RC Tiwari, Army Commander of the Eastern Command, commended the formation for conceiving the unique project and bringing it to life in record time. The Border Brew Café stands as a powerful example of the Indian Army’s commitment to empowering border communities, preserving local culture, and promoting tourism and related development under the Vibrant Village Programme.
