Government launches pre-loaded BSNL SIM cards for tourists travelling to India with an e-Visa

The Indian government has reportedly launched a new initiative where it will provide pre-loaded SIM cards to e-Visa bearing foreign tourists. Dr Mahesh Sharma, Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Tourism and Culture said during the launch of the service that this initiative will facilitate tourists in communicating with friends, relatives, near and dear ones soon after their flight terminates in India.The pre-loaded SIM card facility was announced in association with Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited, (BSNL) where the network operator will distribute these SIM cards to foreign tourists on their arrival in India. The facility will initially be made available in New Delhi at the Indira Gandhi International Airport (T3 Terminal). Rest of India's 15 international airports that offer e-Visa facilities will also be added in due course of time.According to a report by Financial Express, the SIM cards will be pre-loaded with a talk-time of Rs 50 and data value of 50 MB and will be activated immediately. Foreign tourists can avail the SIM card by submitting their e-visa copies and the first page of their passport to BSNL.Before launching the SIM card facility, the Ministry of Tourism had also launched a 24×7 Tourist Helpline number (1800 111 363) in 12 foreign languages to cater to the required information the foreign tourists need in their respective languages during times of distress, medical emergency, etc.