BSNL introduces mobile services at Amarnath shrine

New Delhi: Public sector telecom operator BSNL today said that it had become the country's first operator to introduce mobile services at the shrine at Amarnath, situated at a height of 13,500 feet.

The service is expected to benefit the over four lakh visitors to the shrine who visit it every year, especially the old and the infirm who would like to stay in touch with their families while undertaking the yatra.

The connectivity would also benefit local inhabitants, administration, and security forces, enabling them to stay in touch with each other and facilitate people living in and visiting the area.

"The Yatra route, thus far not served by any telecom operator, would enjoy telecom services for the first time," BSNL said in a statement.

The service was inaugurated by union minister of state for communications and information technology Sachin Pilot and BSNL's chairman and managing director Kuldeep Goyal, with the minister making the first call to J&K governor N N Vohra from the Amarnath cave, where the shrine is housed.

Thanking J&K chief minister Omar Abdullah for his support to the project, Pilot said that BSNL had risen to challenging task of providing connectivity to the shrine, which is situated at a height of 13,500 ft. Eleven towers have been put up at Baltal-I, Baltal-II, Baltal Base Camp, Noonwan, Lakipora, Betab Valley, Domail, Sangam / Holi Cave, Panchtarni, Chandanwari and the Chandanwari Base Camp, he route to only some of which is motorable, while others can be reached through pony track.