Union Tourism minister launches pre-loaded Sim Card for foreign tourists

Speed Post News Network

New Delhi : Dr. Mahesh Sharma, Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Tourism and Culture, on February 15 launched the initiative of the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India, for providing pre-loaded Sim Card to foreign tourists arriving in India on e-Visa here.

Sharma,on the occasion, said that this unique initiative will facilitate the foreign tourists in communicating with their acquaintances immediately after their arrival in India. Earlier, the Ministry of Tourism had also launched a 24 x 7 Tourist Helpline 1800111363 in 12 foreign languages so that the foreign tourists can get the required information in their own language. He presented the First Kit containing Sim to a representative of Travel and Tourism sector.Vinod Zutshi, Secretary, Ministry of Tourism, J S Deepak, Secretary, Ministry of Communications, and senior officers were present on the occasion.

This initiative has been launched in association with Bharat Sanchar Nigam Ltd.(BSNL), wherein BSNL would distribute pre-loaded SIM Cards to foreign tourists arriving in India on e-Visa.  This facility will be initially available at Indira Gandhi International Airport (T3 Terminal), New Delhi, and later cover remaining 15 international airports, where e-Visa facility is currently available, according to a PIB release.

To provide pre-loaded Sim Card, BSNL will collect e-Visa copy and the first page of passport from foreign tourists on arrival at the airport. This facility is only available for tourists arriving in India on e-Visa.  Sim cards will be pre-loaded with a value of Rs 50 talk time and 50 MB data and will be activated on immediate basis so as to enable them use this facility instantly, the PIB release said.