Kartapur corridor: Centre may relax communication rules for pilgrims

ZERO POINT, DERA BABA NANAK: To ease communication restrictions on the high-security Kartapur corridor, the Centre is considering relaxing mobile connectivity rules for the benefit of pilgrims visiting the Gurdwara Darbar Sahib, starting next month. At present, only BSNL services are available in areas bordering Pakistan, officials said.

Land Port Authority of India chairman Govind Mohan said: “We have sought special relaxation for mobile connectivity in this area. Being a border area, there is a stated security policy. We are trying to carve out the area.” Mobile towers of private telecom operators like Airtel, Vodafone and others are not allowed in the vicinity.

Mohan said a pilgrimage fee of $20 as demanded by Pakistan is still under discussion. The MEA on Wednesday asked Pakistan to waive off the charge but Islamabad is still insisting on it.