As part of the ‘Vibrant Villages’ programme aimed at enhancing infrastructure in remote areas, the Indian Army, in collaboration with telecom providers, has successfully introduced 4G mobile network services in strategic locations across Ladakh, including Kargil, Siachen, Demchok, Daulat Baig Oldie and Galwan.

Until June 24, these border areas and remote villages in Ladakh had been without 4G mobile connectivity, a gap now addressed by the efforts of the Indian Army's 14 Corps, headquartered in Leh.

It added, “The Indian Army in collaboration with Bharti Airtel set out to ensure connectivity."

The 14 Corps collaborated with all major telecom service providers, facilitating the installation of mobile towers in these remote regions, even under sub-zero temperatures. Over the course of five months, a total of 42 Airtel 4G mobile towers were installed across the areas of Kargil, Siachen, Demchok, Daulat Baig Oldie and Galwan. This effort has significantly enhanced high-speed connectivity, benefiting both the local population and the soldiers stationed in Ladakh.

This initiative is expected to boost tourism in Ladakh while benefiting the local community by improving access to online education, remote healthcare and fostering economic opportunities through government schemes. It aims to bridge the existing digital divide, thereby enhancing overall connectivity.

The launch of the 'Vibrant Villages Programme' by India, along the Line of Actual Control (LAC), is part of a broader effort to strengthen infrastructure in the region. This programme mirrors China’s strategy of developing new villages, known as 'Xiaokang,' on its side of the border.

As part of the ambitious Rs 4,800 crore project, infrastructure in several villages across Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, eastern Ladakh, Arunachal Pradesh and Sikkim have been either upgraded or is currently under development. In its initial phase, the project aims to cover 662 villages over the first three years. Over the next decade, the government plans to upgrade a total of 2,963 villages, further strengthening connectivity and infrastructure in these remote regions.