Leh, Mar 17: Chief Secretary of the Union Territory of Ladakh, Ashish Kundra, chaired the 7th meeting of the Ladakh Broadband Committee to review the progress of the National Broadband Mission and assess ongoing and upcoming telecom connectivity projects across the region.
According to an official statement, the meeting discussed several key agenda items, including the review of decisions taken during the 6th State Broadband Committee meeting, progress of 4G saturation projects being executed by Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL), the roadmap for 5G services, the Call Before u Dig (CBuD) initiative, and amendments under the BharatNet programme.
Focus on Remote Connectivity
Rama Babu, Director of the J&K Licensed Service Area (LSA) under the Department of Telecommunications, presented a detailed overview of the State Broadband Committee’s structure, objectives, and operational framework in Ladakh.
The presentation highlighted key components such as the Digital Bharat Nidhi (DBN) schemes, 4G saturation initiatives at Border Outposts (BOPs) and Border Intelligence Posts (BIPs), the need for Army Optical Fibre Cable (OFC) connectivity, and challenges in extending telecom services to remote hamlets across Ladakh.
Connectivity a Priority for Border Areas
During the review, Chief Secretary Ashish Kundra emphasised the importance of robust telecom infrastructure, particularly in border areas and villages covered under the Vibrant Villages Programme.
He said strengthening digital connectivity remains a top administrative priority, in line with the directives of the Brigadier (Dr) BD Mishra.
Kundra also highlighted the need for interoperability between telecom systems and assessing the role of infrastructure providers in expanding network coverage across the mountainous region.
Survey Ordered to Identify Connectivity Gaps
To address existing challenges, the Chief Secretary directed the Public Works Department (PWD) to conduct a detailed survey along national and state highways to identify telecom connectivity gaps and prioritise areas requiring immediate intervention.
He further instructed that joint surveys be carried out with the Department of Telecommunications and the Rural Development Department to ensure coordinated planning and efficient implementation.
Army Connectivity and Project Deadlines
The meeting also reviewed the Army’s fibre network requirements, with Kundra directing officials to initiate formal communication regarding BTS fibre connectivity for defence infrastructure.
He set a one-week timeline for surveys in villages identified under the Vibrant Villages Programme, stressing the importance of ground-level feedback to improve connectivity outcomes.
4G Coverage by August
Kush Kumar, Chief General Manager of BSNL, briefed the committee on the progress of the 4G saturation project in Ladakh, outlining key operational challenges and the current status of village connectivity.
He assured the administration that 4G connectivity in Vibrant Villages will be completed by the end of August.
The meeting was attended by several senior officials, including Shashanka Ala (Secretary IT), Baseer ul Haq Chaudhary (Secretary PWD), and Rudra Goud (Secretary Power Development Department), along with representatives from the Department of Telecommunications, BSNL, Forest and Wildlife Department, and other concerned agencies.
