Tag: sarchu

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