Himachal’s PWD Rest Houses Open Doors to the Public with Online Booking
In a welcome move aimed at boosting transparency and public access, the Himachal Pradesh Government has opened the doors of its scenic Public Works Department (PWD) Rest Houses for online booking. Now, travelers and citizens alike can book rooms across the state with just a few clicks, thanks to a newly launched portal.
This citizen-friendly change, which comes into effect immediately, was announced through an official notification by Dr. Abhishek Jain, Secretary (Public Works) to the Government of Himachal Pradesh. As per the notification, 25 rooms in each PWD Rest House will now be available for public booking online. However, one VIP room per rest house will remain reserved for official use and won’t be listed on the portal.
The new system aims to streamline bookings, moving them to a first-come-first-serve model. Half the payment will be collected in advance online, and bookings will be confirmed instantly, ensuring ease and efficiency for users.
Though the government says the decision was made in public interest, it also aligns with efforts to boost departmental revenues. By increasing transparency and reducing discretionary room allotments, occupancy is expected to rise—particularly since many of these rest houses are located in picturesque and strategic spots throughout the state.
Historically reserved for officials, these rest houses have seen growing demand from tourists and the public in recent years. The shift to online booking reflects not just a change in policy, but a broader push toward digital governance and accountability.
To book a room, visitors can now head to the PWD booking portal and reserve accommodations based on availability. The success of this new initiative will hinge on the user experience and fairness of the booking system—but for now, it marks a meaningful step toward greater access and transparency in Himachal Pradesh.
