Kishtwar, March 10, KNT: Telecom service provider Bharti Airtel has extended its mobile network to the remote Marwah valley linking Kishtwar and Anantnag districts in Jammu and Kashmir, becoming the first telecom operator to provide connectivity in the difficult-to-reach region.
Company officials said the rollout aims to provide reliable mobile services to inhabitants living along the approximately 150-kilometre corridor that remained largely disconnected due to geographical isolation and limited road access.
Marwah valley, located in the mountainous region of Kishtwar district, remains cut off for several months during winter because of heavy snowfall and challenging terrain.
Due to seasonal road closures and limited transport options, inhabitants of the region often rely on foot travel or pack animals to access essential supplies, work opportunities and emergency services.
Officials said the deployment of Airtel’s mobile network in the valley is expected to improve communication facilities for local inhabitants while also assisting security forces and travellers moving through the region.
The telecom operator said the expansion forms part of its broader effort to strengthen digital connectivity in remote and high-altitude regions of the country.
Dibyendu Aich, Chief Operating Officer for Jammu and Kashmir at Bharti Airtel, said the company was committed to extending telecom services to underserved areas.
“We are proud to bridge the digital divide in Marwah, bringing high-speed mobile connectivity to a region long isolated by nature’s toughest barriers,” Aich said.
He added that expanding connectivity in remote mountainous areas was part of the company’s effort to strengthen the country’s digital infrastructure and ensure that people living in far-flung regions remain connected.
Officials said improved telecom connectivity in Marwah valley could also open new opportunities for tourism, as the region is known for its scenic landscapes and trekking routes but remained difficult for visitors due to communication gaps.
Authorities and local inhabitants have long highlighted the need for reliable telecom services in the valley, particularly during emergencies and harsh winters when physical access becomes extremely limited.
With the latest deployment, Airtel said it plans to further strengthen its network presence across remote areas of Jammu and Kashmir as part of its ongoing expansion strategy. [KNT]
