Leh, 3 January 2025: The Indian Army, in partnership with Bharti Airtel, has brought 4G connectivity to some of Ladakh’s most remote areas, including Kargil, Siachen, Demchok, Daulat Beg Oldie, and Galwan.
Implemented under the ‘Vibrant Villages Programme,’ the initiative addresses the long-standing absence of mobile networks in these strategic border regions.
The Leh-based 14 Corps stated on Thursday that these areas lacked 4G services until June 24. Over five months, 42 mobile towers were installed in extreme weather conditions, marking a significant achievement in connectivity efforts.
The network expansion benefits both local residents and stationed troops, offering reliable high-speed internet and aiding tourism, online education, telemedicine, and access to government programs. The move helps bridge the region’s digital divide while enhancing infrastructure near the Line of Actual Control (LAC).
Part of India’s Rs 4,800 crore Vibrant Villages Programme, this phase targets 662 border villages across Ladakh, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Arunachal Pradesh, and Sikkim. Eventually, 2,963 villages are set for development over the next decade, aiming to transform remote border areas into thriving hubs.