Airtel connects remote Ladakh villages, boosting tourism near Pangong lake

Bharti Airtel announced on November 17, 2025, the expansion of its network to Man and Merak, two remote villages on the Eastern Border of Ladakh, near Pangong Lake. This deployment makes Airtel the only service provider to offer reliable mobile connectivity in this area, which previously lacked telecom network coverage across a 50 km stretch between the villages. The high-speed network rollout aims to connect residents, security forces, and tourists in one of India's toughest terrains.

This initiative connects the entire route between Chushul and Pangong Tso, enhancing the tourism potential of the globally renowned destination. Dibyendu Aich, chief operating officer – Jammu and Kashmir, Bharti Airtel, stated that these new sites will support thousands of tourists annually and empower local communities with essential services like digital payments and emergency connectivity.

Airtel's continued expansion into high-altitude and remote regions underscores its commitment to bridging the connectivity divide and strengthening India's digital infrastructure. The company aims to provide reliable mobile services even in challenging environments.