India has rolled out free pre-loaded SIM cards for all tourists arriving on e-visas.
The SIM cards are being provided by Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited and come loaded with Rs. 50 talk time and 50MB Internet data.
"It will facilitate the foreign tourists in communicating with their acquaintances immediately after they land in India," Union Tourism Minister Mahesh Sharma said.
"Also, they can get information in their own language using our 24×7 Tourist Helpline, which provides service in 12 foreign languages. A Russian speaking or Japanese speaking tourist can use the helpline easily."
Sharma said the SIM cards are issued only to e-visa holders for now and will launch initially at Delhi Airport.
It will later expand to all 15 international airports in the near future.
"We will see how this service could be provided to those coming on traditional tourist visa as well," tourism secretary Vinod Zutshi said.
The e-visa service is available to nationals of 161 countries.
