Air service soon for Yamunotri, Gauchar and Joshiyara, says CM
By Our Staff Reporter
Dehradun, 10 Oct: Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami inaugurated the new ‘Passenger Terminal Building’ at Sahastradhara Heliport, here, today. He also launched the Dehradun-Almora Helicopter Service from the Helipad. The CM also announced the start of air services from Sahastradhara Heliport to three new locations, namely, Yamunotri, Gauchar, and Joshiyada, under the Chief Minister’s Udan Khatola Scheme, which he said would begin soon.
On this occasion, the CM also interacted virtually with passengers from Almora.
The CM reminded that the state government had been working on this air service for a long time, and now the Sahastradhara Helipad has been expanded, adding that air services to Chinyalisaur, Gauchar, Munsyari, Srinagar, Haldwani, and Pithoragarh are already operational in the state.
Dhami claimed that the chopper service between Dehradun and Almora will boost tourism, the economy, and employment, benefiting local producers. He emphasised that better connectivity will certainly bring positive changes to people’s lives, adding that Almora holds historical and cultural significance with sites like Jageshwar Dham, Chitai Golyu Devta Temple, and Katarmal Sun Temple. The new helicopter service will make it easier for tourists to visit Almora, reducing travel time significantly compared to road journeys.
The CM claimed that under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, air services in the country are being modernised and indigenised, which is crucial for states with challenging geographical conditions like Uttarakhand. While in the past, rail services were prioritised, air services are now becoming a popular mode of transport.
The Chief Minister credited PM’s long-term vision for making this possible and praised the expansion of the terminal, initially established during a disaster. He acknowledged the crucial support from the central government and the state’s civil aviation department to make it possible. Under the ‘Udan’ scheme, various regions in the state are receiving good air services.
The state government claims to be committed to providing all necessary facilities for pilgrims and tourists, with air services playing a key role. The Jolly Grant Airport is being developed to international standards. Air services are now available to many major cities from Dehradun now. Additionally, over 800 acres of land have been transferred to the Ministry of Civil Aviation for the expansion of Pantnagar Airport. Dhami shared that he has requested the PM for his help in proper operation of the Chinyalisaur airstrip and ongoing trial landings at Pithoragarh. He mentioned that the number of pilgrims visiting Adi Kailash and Jageshwar Dham has increased since the Prime Minister’s visit.
The newly constructed passenger terminal building at Sahastradhara Heliport is equipped with state-of-the-art facilities. Designed to accommodate the increasing number of passengers, the government has invested Rs 24.83 crores in its construction. The terminal can seat approximately 400 passengers at a time and includes several modern amenities for their convenience. Aviation Company Pawan Hans will operate the service between Dehradun and Almora, six days a week, with a fare of Rs 4,989 per person, and the journey will take around 55 minutes.
On this occasion, Union Minister of State Ajay Tamta, Cabinet Ministers Satpal Maharaj, Premchand Aggarwal and Ganesh Joshi, Rajya Sabha MP Naresh Bansal, local MLA Khajan Das, MLAs Umesh Sharma Kau and Savita Kapoor, Garhwal Commissioner Vinay Shankar Pandey and CEO of UCADA Sonika were physically present while Almora MLA Manoj Tiwari, DM, Almora, Alok Kumar Pandey were also present through virtual medium.
