BSNL to activate 4G towers at Dhancho and Hadsar before Manimahesh yatra

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Dharamshala, August 15

Ahead of the annual Manimahesh Yatra, BSNL has made special arrangements to improve mobile connectivity for pilgrims and strengthen emergency communication services. Speaking at a press conference in Dharamshala, BSNL Senior General Manager Dr. Vipin Kumar Maurya said the 4G tower at Dhancho has been installed and is currently undergoing trials. It is expected to be made operational before the yatra begins.

Work is also underway on another 4G tower at Hadsar, with BSNL aiming to activate both towers before the pilgrimage. The Dhancho tower is expected to provide network coverage across an additional three to four kilometres towards Manimahesh.

Dr. Maurya said communication challenges were witnessed during last year’s natural disaster, prompting BSNL to strengthen connectivity in the region. The Dhancho tower will primarily operate during the yatra period, as the area is largely uninhabited at other times.

Dr. Maurya also highlighted the importance of Global Satellite Phone Service (GSPS) in disaster-hit and remote areas without mobile connectivity. Introduced in 2019, the service provides communication through satellites.

For government users, calls cost around Rs 18 per minute, while commercial users pay approximately Rs 25 per minute. During disasters, the rate is reduced to around Rs 12 per minute. A GSPS handset costs approximately Rs 1.35 lakh plus GST. Currently, two commercial users in Chamba, associated with hydro projects, are using the service.