Srinagar, | June 22, 2025– In a transformative move for the Amarnath Yatra 2025, Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) has launched its Atmanirbhar Bharat Hi-Tech Technology Initiative to revolutionize communication infrastructure along the pilgrimage routes in Jammu & Kashmir. Announced today in Srinagar, the initiative promises seamless 4G connectivity, enhancing pilgrim safety, coordination, and digital accessibility in the rugged, high-altitude terrains of the region.
The Amarnath Yatra, a sacred pilgrimage to the 3,880-meter-high Amarnath cave shrine, draws lakhs of devotees annually. Scheduled from July 3 to August 9, 2025, this year’s 38-day journey will benefit from BSNL’s upgraded telecom network, designed to support pilgrims, security forces, and local communities along the Pahalgam (48 km) and Baltal (14 km) routes.
Key Highlights of the Initiative
BSNL’s Atmanirbhar Bharat Hi-Tech Technology Initiative leverages indigenous telecom technology to deliver robust connectivity. Key features include:
- 4G Network Expansion: BSNL has upgraded 67 mobile towers to 4G across the Yatra routes, ensuring high-speed internet and reliable voice services. This upgrade extends mobile broadband to remote villages, promoting digital inclusion in Kashmir.
- BSNL Yatra SIMs: Pilgrims can purchase Special Yatra SIMs for Rs. 196 at base camps in Baltal, Pahalgam, and Jammu’s Bhagwati Nagar. These SIMs guarantee uninterrupted connectivity during the pilgrimage.
- Live Streaming Capabilities: Following the successful live stream of the Pratham Pooja on June 11, 2025, BSNL will enable virtual participation for devotees nationwide, broadcasting rituals from the holy cave.
- Emergency Systems: In partnership with the Shri Amarnath Ji Shrine Board (SASB) and J&K administration, BSNL has fortified emergency communication networks to support real-time updates on weather, route safety, and medical emergencies.
Boosting Safety Amid Heightened Security
With 581 CAPF companies deployed and technologies like Facial Recognition Systems (FRS) in place after a recent terror attack in Pahalgam, BSNL’s enhanced communication infrastructure is critical. The network ensures seamless coordination among security personnel, local authorities, and pilgrims, minimizing risks in high-altitude regions prone to unpredictable weather and logistical challenges.
Atmanirbhar Bharat: Indigenous Innovation
The initiative showcases India’s self-reliance in telecom under the Atmanirbhar Bharat program. BSNL’s fully indigenous technology stack—including core networks, radio access networks (RAN), and customer premises equipment (CPE)—is developed by Indian vendors. This builds on BSNL’s recent milestones, such as the Quantum 5G Fixed Wireless Access (FWA) launch in Hyderabad, reinforcing India’s technological prowess.
A BSNL official stated, “Our goal is to provide world-class connectivity for the Amarnath Yatra while empowering remote communities in Jammu & Kashmir with digital services. This initiative is a testament to India’s innovation and resilience.”
Long-Term Impact on Jammu & Kashmir
Beyond the Yatra, BSNL’s upgraded 4G infrastructure will transform digital connectivity in Jammu & Kashmir’s bordering and underserved areas. Through collaborations like the BharatNet project with Sterlite Technologies Limited (STL), BSNL aims to bridge the digital divide, fostering economic and social development in the region.
Government’s Vision for Digital India
The initiative aligns with the Government of India’s commitment to enhancing digital infrastructure in challenging terrains. The Ministry of Communications has supported BSNL’s nationwide rollout of 1 lakh 4G towers in June 2025, with plans for an additional 1 lakh towers to further strengthen connectivity.
As the Amarnath Yatra 2025 approaches, BSNL’s Atmanirbhar Bharat Hi-Tech Technology Initiative ensures a safer, more connected pilgrimage, blending spirituality with cutting-edge technology. This milestone not only elevates the Yatra experience but also cements Jammu & Kashmir’s place in India’s digital transformation journey.
