By Lance Corporal Sujan Tamang, Nepal Signal Troop, British Gurkhas Nepal
Nepal Signal Troop (NST) Forward Repair Team deployed on Exercise PURBA SIGNAL KHUKURI 26/03 in September 2026, conducting a comprehensive programme of communications assurance across the eastern region of Nepal. The team visited Area Welfare Centres (AWCs) in Terhathum, Phidim, Taplejung and Damak to carry out High Frequency (HF) radio inspections, preventative maintenance and functional testing.
The exercise also included technical support visits to British Gurkhas Dharan and the Darjeeling Veteran Advice Centre, where the team delivered ICT equipment maintenance, laptop distribution and printer fault rectification to ensure wider digital systems remained fully serviceable.
Across all designated locations, HF installations were confirmed to be operational, with minor faults identified and rectified on site. Lance Corporal Bibek Rai delivered comprehensive operator training, significantly enhancing the confidence and competence of local staff in the safe and effective use of HF radio systems.
The team comprised Corporal Subash Rai (Team Leader/Exercise Coordinator), Lance Corporal Bibek Rai (Network Engineer/Training NCO), Sergeant Buman Paija (Senior Technician, British Gurkhas Pokhara), Lance Corporal Sujan Tamang (Information Services Engineer), and MT Department drivers Mr Bhojraj Rai and Mr Surya Bahadur Tamang.
Through effective teamwork, technical expertise and close engagement with AWC staff, the NST Forward Repair Team ensured that communications systems across the region remained fully serviceable and operationally ready to support future contingency requirements.
