CM virtually inaugurates 3 new Air Services in U’khand
By OUR STAFF REPORTER
Dehradun, 7 Nov: Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, on Thursday, virtually inaugurated three air services as part of the Uttarakhand Air Connectivity Plan. These services include helicopter services from Sahastradhara (Dehradun) to Joshiyara (Uttarkashi) and Gauchar (Chamoli), and an air service from Delhi to Pithoragarh.
Speaking during the virtual launch from his residence, the Chief Minister stated that these air services would serve as a milestone in the state’s development, especially with the government’s focus on expanding air connectivity under the UDAN scheme.
Dhami expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu for their support in making these services a reality. He emphasised that these services would significantly boost tourism, economic development, and provide a new, better option for the people of the remote region of Pithoragarh to connect with the national capital. Additionally, the new air services will accelerate emergency and disaster management operations.
The Chief Minister remarked that the launch of helicopter services from Sahastradhara to Joshiyara and Gauchar is a historic achievement for the state. The journey from Dehradun to Joshiyara will now take only 40 minutes, and from Dehradun to Gauchar, just 50 minutes. He added that these services will play a crucial role in the development of the hilly regions.
Dhami also highlighted that the UDAN (Ude Desh ka Aam Naagrik) scheme, which was launched by Prime Minister Modi to make air travel accessible to common citizens, has been instrumental in strengthening air connectivity in Uttarakhand. Under the UDAN scheme, 18 heliports are being developed across the state. So far, air services have successfully started at 10 heliports, connecting key locations such as Srinagar, Haldwani, Munsyari, Pithoragarh, Pantnagar, Champawat, and Almora. Further efforts will be made to extend these services to other important areas in the state.
The Chief Minister pointed out that, earlier, it took several hours to traverse the difficult hill terrain, but with the commencement of these air services, remote regions will now be accessible in under an hour. These services are expected to boost tourism in rural areas, create new job opportunities for local youth, and support local businesses and homestays.
On this occasion, Cabinet Minister Premchand Agarwal, MP Mala Rajya Laxmi Shah, MLA Umesh Sharma ‘Kau’, Principal Secretary RK Sudhanshu, Secretary Shailesh Bagoli, CEO of YUKADA, Sonika, Executive Director, Pawan Hans, Sanjay, and officials from Alliance Air, as well as former Chief Minister and ex-Governor of Maharashtra Bhagat Singh Koshyari, Union Minister of State Ajay Tamta, and several district officials from Uttarkashi, Chamoli, and Pithoragarh, were present.
Details of the New Air Services:
- Sahastradhara-Gauchar Helicopter Service:
Duration: Approximately 50 minutes
Departure from Sahastradhara at 9:30 a.m; Return from Gauchar at 10:40 a.m.
Operating 6 days a week (Monday to Saturday)
Fare: Rs 3000 one-way until November 20, 2024; Rs 3600 thereafter.
- Sahastradhara-Joshiyara Helicopter Service:
Duration: Approximately 40 minutes
Departure from Sahastradhara at 12 p.m.; return from Joshiyara at 1 p.m.
Operating 6 days a week (Monday to Saturday)
Fare: Rs 3000 one-way until November 20, 2024; Rs3300 thereafter.
Booking: Pawan Hans Booking Website
- Delhi-Nainisaini (Pithoragarh) Air Service:
Duration: Approximately 1 hour 25 minutes
Operating 3 days a week (Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday)
Departure from Delhi at 9:20 a.m.; return from Pithoragarh at 11:15 a.m.
Fare: Rs 2499 one-way until November 14, 2024; RS 6999 from Delhi to Pithoragarh and RS 7447 from Pithoragarh to Delhi starting from November 16, 2024.
Booking: Alliance Air Booking Website
These air services are expected to significantly enhance connectivity, foster tourism, and provide greater convenience for residents of Uttarakhand’s remote areas. The Chief Minister reaffirmed the state’s commitment to further enhancing air and land connectivity to ensure overall development and progress.
