The availability of mobile network with high-speed internet connectivity at 14,000 ft high Sarchu on Manali-Leh highway is leaving tourists surprised these days. Reliance Jio has launched its service at Sarchu a few days back.
In an effort to strengthen the mobile and internet connectivity in border areas and along important border roads, the 14,000ft high Sarchu on Manali-Leh highway has received 4G mobile connectivity.
Strategically important 428km long Manali-Leh highway had no mobile connectivity in more than 260km long stretch of the road between Himachal’s Darcha and Ladakh’s Upshi. Sarchu, 176km from Manali, is a non-inhabited remote plateau at the boundary of Himachal and Ladakh. Sarchu is a popular mid-way halt point on Manali-Leh highway. People from Himachal and Ladakh operate seasonal shops, dhabas and tented accommodations here for tourists and military convoys. The area also serves the Indian Army as its transit point.
Now, Sarchu, the most important place on Manali-Leh highway, which has no residential houses or electricity supply, has mobile connectivity with high-speed internet. The travellers, who are listening to ringtone on their mobile phones at Sarchu, are being left surprised these days as nobody had expected mobile network in such a remote area.
IT and tribal development minister Ram Lal Markanda was quoted by media as saying, “Reliance Jio is installing a large number of telecom towers across the tribal areas. The company has connected major places of Lahaul-Spiti with 4G connectivity. Most areas along Manali-Sarchu highway is now covered with mobile network. More such towers are proposed to be established.”
People in trouble used to be left at the mercy of God on this highway as they had no option to call for help. Usually, Indian Army and Border Roads Organisation (BRO) used to help people in distress but the non-availability of the network was a major setback in the smooth conduct of search and rescue operations.
Tourists staying in camps at Sarchu can now talk to their family members and can stay connected with the rest of the world through internet. The camping operators can also handle the customers more professionally and can take online booking as well. In case of medical emergency, they can call for help. It will also be easy to track the movement of the people on this highway. The mobile network will also help police at seasonal check posts at Sarchu.
Seasonal traders, Army and BRO personnel, tourists and police can now make even video calls to their friends and relatives from Sarchu. Sarchu wears deserted looks in winter time when seasonal traders shut their shops, police posts are removed and the highway is blocked with snow. The temperature dips below minus 30 degrees C. This place comes alive again in June.
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