LG Kavinder Gupta Releases Streamlined SOPs for Procurement of Satellite Phones to Enhance Tourist Safety in Ladakh

Leh, December 18, 2025:

In a significant step towards strengthening tourist safety and promoting adventure tourism in Ladakh, the Hon’ble Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh, Shri Kavinder Gupta, today released streamlined Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for the procurement of satellite phones for tourism purposes.

The initiative marks a major milestone in enhancing communication infrastructure in Ladakh, a region globally renowned for its vast remote landscapes, high-altitude adventure tourism, mountaineering expeditions, and off-grid travel experiences. Due to limited or non-existent mobile connectivity in many areas, reliable communication has long been a challenge for tourists and tour operators alike.

The operationalisation of satellite phone services for tourism is expected to significantly improve safety, benefiting tourists, tour operators, and emergency response agencies, particularly in remote and high-risk locations.

Secretary, Tourism, Shri Sanjit Rodrigues, informed that in 2022, the Ministry of Defence, Government of India, permitted the use of satellite phones for tourism purposes by tour operators in Ladakh, recognising the region’s unique geographical and operational realities. Following this approval, the Department of Tourism, UT Ladakh, proactively took the lead in facilitating the structured and secure operationalisation of satellite phone usage for the tourism sector.

Director, Tourism, Tsering Paldan, stated that the Department of Tourism undertook sustained coordination and consultations with BSNL, Leh, to develop a clear, secure, and practical mechanism for procurement, ensuring full compliance with national security and telecommunications guidelines.

“These continuous efforts and detailed deliberations culminated in the issuance of a comprehensive Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) by BSNL on December 17, 2025, governing the procurement of satellite phones by private tour operators,” said Director Paldan.

With the issuance of the SOP, tour operators can now directly approach BSNL, Leh, and procure satellite phones through an approved, transparent, and streamlined process, enabling timely access to reliable communication tools essential for operations in remote and high-risk areas.

The initiative underscores the UT Administration’s commitment to enhancing tourist safety while supporting the sustainable growth of Ladakh’s adventure tourism ecosystem.