Srinagar: The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has significantly upgraded the telecom infrastructure for the Shri Amarnathji Yatra 2024, ensuring seamless mobile connectivity for all pilgrims. In collaboration with major Telecom Service Providers (TSPs) such as Airtel, BSNL, and Reliance JIO, the number of active sites has increased from 51 in 2023 to 82 in 2024.

This enhancement includes the installation of 31 new sites along the Yatra routes. The routes from Lakhanpur to Qazigund and from Qazigund to Pahalgam and Baltal are now fully covered with 2G, 3G, 4G, and 5G technology in many areas, providing uninterrupted connectivity for pilgrims and the public.

Additionally, several SIM distribution centres have been opened to facilitate telecom services for Yatris. These centres are located at key points including Lakhnapur, Yatri Niwas Bhagwati Nagar, Chanderkot, Anantnag, Srinagar, Srinagar Airport, Pahalgam, Sonamarg, and Baltal.

The enhanced connectivity is supported by the installation of BTS sites by various operators:

• Airtel: 19 sites, including locations such as Sonamarg, Nilgrath Army Camp, Baltal, Domail, Burari, Sangam, the Holy Cave, Panchtarni, Sheshnag, Chandanbari, Nunwan Base Camp, and multiple Yatri Niwas along the routes, offering 2G, 4G, and 5G coverage.
• BSNL: 27 sites, covering areas like Ranga Morh, Baltal, Domail, Rail Patri, Barari, Y-Junction, Sangam, the Holy Cave, Panchtarni, Kelnar, Posh Patri, Mahagunus Top, Sheshnag, Nagakoti, Zojibal, Pisu Top, Chandanwari, Pahalgam, Nunwan Base Camp, and several Yatri Niwas, providing 2G, 3G, and indigenous 4G coverage.
• RJIL: 36 sites, including Gansibal Pahalgam, Nunwan Base Camp, Pahalgam Bus Stand, Betab Valley, Chandanwari, Pisu Top, Zojibal, Sheshnag Camp, Mahagunas Pass, Panchtarni, the Holy Cave, Barari Marg, Rail Patri, Domail Camp, Baltal Base Camp, Saribal Kangan, Nilgrath Sonamarg, New Truck Yard Sonamarg, and Sonamarg Main Market, offering 4G and 5G coverage. /BI