Airtel joins forces with Indian army to connect LoC villages in Kashmir

Bharti Airtel has teamed up with the Indian Army to improve connectivity in villages along the Line of Control (LoC) in North Kashmir. This initiative will benefit residents in the Kupwara, Baramulla, and Bandipore districts, enhancing communication for both the local population and soldiers stationed in these areas.

To achieve this, Airtel has deployed 15 mobile towers, providing vital communication links for soldiers and enabling them to stay connected with their families, which is essential for operational coordination.

As part of the PM Vibrant Village Programme, several remote villages—including Kachhal, Balbir, Razdan Pass, Taya Top, Ustad, Kathi, and Cheema—are now linked to the broader national network. These villages are located in the Keran, Machhal, Tangdhar, Gurez, and Uri valley regions, which span the three districts of Kupwara, Baramulla, and Bandipore. Notably, Airtel is the only private telecom operator serving these areas.

This collaboration with the Indian Army is part of Airtel’s broader effort to extend its network services to military bases in difficult-to-reach locations. The company has previously expanded its reach to areas like the Galwan River region and Daulat Beg Oldie (BDO), India's northernmost military outpost, improving communication capabilities in these strategic locations.

The deployment of mobile towers is seen as a significant step toward enhancing connectivity and ensuring better communication for both civilian and military personnel in these remote and sensitive regions. This partnership underscores Airtel's commitment to serving the country’s defence forces and bringing vital infrastructure to underserved areas.