LOOKEAST

LOOKEAST REPORT |

AN abandoned bridge over a river in a nondescript mountainous region gets a quiet makeover into a cafeteria; and that too by some extremely ‘unprofessional’ hands.

■ Border Brew Café

‘Unprofessional’ in the sense they are supposed to look after other ‘crucial sectors’ that hardly have little or no remote connection with building a cafeteria by the way. Sounds strange, but not quite so.

This is a rare feat achieved by none other than the jawans and engineers of the Indian Army posted in Tawang district of Arunachal Pradesh. A unique and extraordinary feat indeed ! An out–of–the–world gift for the people of Arunachal.

Management of the café has been vested with the women from the Monpa community; this gives the project a local touch and an important social dimension as it paves the way for creating opportunities for their livelihood in this remote part where tourism is the mainstay of their earning

Powered by an out-of-the-box imagination, the jawans who opted to push for a vision beyond limits, decided to inject a fresh look at an already decommissioned Bailey bridge at Zemithang, not very far from the sensitive Indo–China border in Tawang district.

This owner’s–pride–neighbour’s–envy café stands right on the pristine waters of the Ngyamjang Chu river. As you step into the café and book a cushion next to the window for a panoramic view of the Himalayas, the gentle, tiny ripples of the flowing water beneath will rush to welcome you,

It gives you a chance to sit right in the middle of nature. Big glass panels are placed all around, so you can enjoy a clear sweeping view of the snow–filled Himalayan mountains, clouds, and valleys while you drink your cuppa

High in the mountains, this food joint is not just about a hot cup of coffee and drinks; it gives you a chance to sit right in the middle of nature. Big glass panels are placed all around, so you can enjoy a clear sweeping view of the snow–filled Himalayan mountains, clouds, and valleys while you drink your cuppa.

The structure of the bridge has been redesigned into a bright, airy space that feels almost like a moving panorama. There is another area called the West Bank Café nearby. Both places offer beautiful and equally stunning views.

Under #OpSadbhavna, the Indian Army has established Border Brew Café at Jemithang, a first-of-its-kind initiative in Northeast India.

Constructed on a decommissioned Bailey Bridge over Ngyamjang Chu, the cafe will support local communities and strengthen tourism in #Arunachal. pic.twitter.com/GJKCNLdJSb

— MyGov Arunachal Pradesh (@MyGovArunachal) March 19, 2026

Operation Sadbhavna

The reason why it is being dubbed an engineering marvel, is the record time — barely 31 days — within which the entire redesigning was completed. From an unused military bridge to an attractive Border Brew Café at that unusual height of the mountain that would welcome travellers, passersby and tourists.

Operation Sadbhavna is part of Indian Army’s CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility) activities that go on throughout the year in the region in view of its proximity to the international border where the People’s Liberation Army(PLA) of China have been quite active.

Jawans and engineers of the Indian Army posted in Tawang district of Arunachal Pradesh. A unique and extraordinary feat indeed ! An out–of–the–world gift for the people of Arunachal

Hence, management of the café has been vested with the women from the Monpa community; this gives the project a local touch and an important social dimension as it paves the way for creating opportunities for their livelihood in this remote part where tourism is the mainstay of their earning.

Already, the video of the café posted in the X handle of MyGov Arunachal Pradesh a few days back, has gone viral as Zemithang is quite famous for its monasteries, panoramic view of the mountains and strategic location. The Border Brew Café just has added another feather to its cap.

Kudos to the Indian Army for gifting such an amazing piece at this height to this landlocked Northeastern state within such a short time. ■