Now, Amarnath shrine has mobile connectivity

NEW DELHI, INDIA: The Union Minister of State for Communications and Information Technology Sachin Pilot launched BSNL’s mobile services at Holy Amarnath cave today. He made the first call to N.N. Vohra, Governor of Jammu and Kashmir, from the Holy cave.

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With this, the Yatra route, so far not served by any telecom operator, would enjoy telecom services for the first time.

In May, the minister had promised that from this year onwards the Amarnath route will be getting mobile connectivity.

Congratulating BSNL for challenging task of providing connectivity to the shrine at a height of 13,500 ft., the Minister said that Department of Telecom would continue to improve infrastructure and services in Jammu and Kashmir.

He expressed gratitude to the Chief Minister, the State Administration and Shri Amarnath Shrine Board for their support and efforts.

Eleven towers have been put up at Baltal-I, Baltal-II, Baltal Base Camp, Noonwan, Lakipora, Betab Valley, Domail, Sangam/Holi Cave, Panchtarni, Chandanwari & Chandanwari Base Camp — of which some are on motorable road some are on pony track.

Reiterating the commitment of the BSNL to provide telephone services throughout the country, including geographically difficult areas, the Minister said, over 4 lakh pilgrims who visit the shrine every year, especially the old and the infirm may stay connected to their families while undertaking the Yatra. Connectivity would also benefit local inhabitants, administration, and security forces and people visiting the area.

At present, BSNL has 8.72 lakh mobile connections in Jammu & Kashmir and has 1299 mobile towers through which it is offering mobile services in the State. BSNL provides connectivity to 95.22 per cent of National Highways passing through Jammu & Kashmir, 73.32 per cent of the State Highways and 100 per cent of railway routes.

The minister said 284 more towers will be installed in the State in 2010-11 to ensure smooth and widespread coverage. Out of 6471 inhabited villages in the State, 5994 villages have already been provided with Village Public Telephones, said Pilot. The rest will be connected on a fast track.