By Our Staff Reporter
Dehradun, 6 Dec: The Uttarakhand Government has claimed that the state is not only expanding its road network but also rapidly enhancing its air connectivity. Efforts are underway to connect the state’s remote and mountainous regions via air, making these areas more accessible. The state government is making serious efforts to strengthen heli-services to boost the local economy, particularly through tourism.
Uttarakhand Civil Aviation Development Authority (UCADA), a state government agency, has shared that, in the past two years, eight heliports have been constructed in the state, while work on six more is currently in progress. This is in addition to over 100 helipads that have been constructed across the state to boost air connectivity. These heliports can accommodate multiple helicopters simultaneously and offer essential facilities such as hangars for maintenance, resting areas, canteens, and restrooms for passengers. Modelled after airports, heliports are smaller in scale but serve a similar purpose.
As a state with strong geographic challenges, Uttarakhand faces natural disasters on a regular basis and here timely access to affected areas is critical for saving lives and carrying out rescue operations. Furthermore, for tourists, travelling long distances across the state’s rugged terrain has always been a challenge. To address these issues, the state government has initiated the construction of helipads across various locations. Some projects have been completed, while others are expected to become operational within the next two years.
In the last two years, the Uttarakhand Civil Aviation Development Authority (UCADA) has built heliports in Sahastradhara, Srinagar, Gauchar, Chinyalisaur, Almora, Haldwani, Pithoragarh, and Munsiyari. These heliports are already reported to be providing regular services. Construction is also underway for heliports at 6 more places in Triyuginarayan, Joshimath, Mussoorie, Ramnagar, Bageshwar, and Haridwar. According to UCADA, all ongoing projects are expected to be completed within the next year.
Commenting on this development, Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami observed that Prime Minister Narendra Modi envisions affordable air travel for every citizen. To realise this dream, air services are being expanded in Uttarakhand under the Udan Yojana and Mukhyamantri Udankhatola Yojana. These initiatives are anticipated to significantly boost pilgrimage and tourism activities in the state.
UCADA’s Additional Chief Executive Officer, Dayanand Saraswati today reminded that over 100 helipads have been constructed in Uttarakhand, ready for both passenger services and emergency operations. This infrastructure ensures basic air connectivity to the state’s remote areas.
He also added that the state government is upgrading Pantnagar and Jolly Grant airports. Land acquisition is underway for these expansions. While Pantnagar Airport is being developed as a greenfield airport, the Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun is being modernised to meet international standards and is planned to be upgraded into an international airport.
The government has claimed that these developments aim to make air travel more accessible and affordable for the public while promoting tourism and economic growth in the state. Heli-services will not only offer a reliable mode of transportation but also act as a lifeline during emergencies, enabling the swift transfer of patients and injured individuals to advanced medical facilities.
