The Jammu & Kashmir Telecom Circle of the BSNL has made special efforts to provide reliable connectivity for communication requirements of Yatris visiting Shri Amaranath Ji shrine along Pahalgam and Baltal routes,up to the Holy cave.

According to the official press release, BSNL JK Circle has commissioned 10 sites with 15 combo (2G+3G) BTS in a very short time. These sites are connected on very high speed 10G latest technology transport network purely on optical Fibre. More than 35 Km’s of Optical Fibre Cable has been laidfor connecting BTS and the material required for establishing the telecom connectivity at these high altitudes were taken through ponies/head-load. Several BSNL Teams have been specially stationed at important locations along the entire route to ensure prompt maintenance and uninterrupted connectivity to Yatris despite climatic/geographical challenges at an altitude of about more than 13000 ft. above sea level.

To cater to the large number of Pilgrims who are visiting the Holy cave, voice and SMS have been given priority over data along the route. BSNL only has been providing mobile services enroute to Yatris since 2010.Since prepaid connections of other states are not allowed to work in J&K, special  pre-loaded YatraSIMs  are being provided by BSNL with the approval of Ministry of Home Affairs/DOT. The cost of  the Yatra SIMs is Rs.230/-(including the cost of STV and Plan Voucher) with 20000 second free talk time and 1.5 GB free data usage and validity of ten days.

For obtaining the BSNL pre-loaded Yatra SIM card, valid documents such as Proof of Address, Proof of Identity and applicant’s photograph are required to be submitted by the Yatris along with a photo copyof counter foil of Registration Slip issued by SASB which shall be consideredas local reference.The BSNL pre-loaded Yatra SIM cards are being sold to theYatris at Lakhanpur Border, Bhagwati nagar besides during working hours atKachi-Chhawani CSC & Trikuta nagar CSC in Jammu and Base Camps at Baltal,Pahalgam besides Tourist Reception Centre Nowgam near Railway station in Srinagar. Yatris are requested to purchase the BSNL pre-loaded Yatra SIM cardsonly at these designated counters. For detailed information please visit our website www.jandk.bsnl.co.in.