Patna: The district administration, expecting 4-5 lakh visitors during Prakash Utsav in Patna City, has asked telecommunication companies to provide cell on wheels (COW) service to mobile users.

COW is a portable mobile cellular tower that gives temporary network and wireless coverage to locations where cellular coverage is minimal.

District magistrate Sanjay Kumar Agarwal has taken the initiative to ensure better arrangement for Prakash Utsav, the concluding function of the 350th birth anniversary celebrations of Guru Gobind Singh, which will be celebrated in the state capital between December 21 and 25.

"During Prakash Utsav, there will a huge gathering. We have previously noticed that devotees face a lot of problem making calls from their cellphones. The Internet connection is also hampered. So I have asked all telecommunication companies, be it Airtel, Jio,Vodafone, BSNL or others, to provide COW service. Movable towers will be placed at the gurdwara and near the tent city at Kangan Ghat,"Agarwal said, soon after finishing inspection of tent city.

In Thursday's meeting, representatives of Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited were not present and have been called on Wednesday.

The tent cities at Kangan Ghat and Patna bypass are being erected across 100 acres to accommodate and provide hospitality services to devotees during the festival. All possible arrangements, including food and shelter, will be made at the tent city.

The DM said: "Once the COW service is installed, devotees will be able to get 3G and 4G services without any problem. In case of big gatherings, it becomes difficult for service providers to offer good network. So these additional towers will be a relief for devotees."