Mobile services for Amarnath pilgrims from this year: Sachin Pilot

NEW DELHI - Union Minister of State for Communication and Information Technology (IT) Sachil Pilot said the mobile connectivity to Amarnath pilgrims at the height of 13,500 ft. will be provided before June 30.

It has been the endeavour of the Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) to provide telephone services throughout the country, including rural, remote, inhospitable and geographically difficult areas, Pilot said.

Shri Amarnath ji Dham is a religious and tourist destination of supreme importance for people of all faiths.

This would help over four lakh pilgrims visiting the shrine every year specially old and infirm and others wanting to stay in touch with their families.

Installation of nine mobile towers - at Baltal-I, Baltal-II, Domail, Barari, Sangam/Holi Cave, Panchtarni, Mahagunastop, Sheshnag and Chandanwari - of which four are on motorable road and the rest are on pony track will immensely help pilgrims, local residents, administration and security forces.

Connectivity would enable them to stay in touch with each other and facilitate people living in and visiting the area.

At present, no other telephone operator provides service in that area. (ANI)