By Arun Pratap Singh
Dehradun, 4 Apr: The Char Dham Yatra in Uttarakhand is set to commence on 30 April, this year. In this regard, it has been revealed that the Heli services for Kedarnath Dham will begin on 2 May, coinciding with the opening of the portals of the Kedarnath temple. For this, the online booking process for the Heli services to Baba Kedarnath Dham is scheduled to start on 8 April. The Uttarakhand Civil Aviation Development Authority (UCADA) and the Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) have completed the necessary arrangements for the bookings and the operations of the Heli services. These agencies claim that the booking experience for the pilgrims would be smooth. The IRCTC website will soon be linked for the Heli service bookings, officially launching the online booking process from 8 April.
It may be recalled that, every year, the Heli services for Kedarnath Dham commence as soon as the portals of the temple open. This year, operations will start from 2 May, covering services from helipads located in Guptkashi, Sirsi, and Phata (all in district Rudraprayag). The pilgrims planning to visit Baba Kedar via helicopter can book their tickets online starting 8 April by visiting the IRCTC’s designated website: heliyatra.irctc.co.in.
The fares for heli services have been increased to some extent this year. A revised fare list has been issued, with fares rising by five percent compared to last year. The charges for a round trip are fixed at Rs 6,061 for Sirsi to Kedarnath, Rs 6,063 for Phata to Kedarnath, and Rs 8,533 for Guptkashi to Kedarnath. It has been made mandatory for passengers to complete their travel registration before booking helicopter tickets.
Last year, the heli service business had generated a revenue exceeding Rs 1.10 billion, with over 1.28 lakh devotees availing the service to visit Kedarnath shrine. This year, the number of pilgrims opting for heli services is expected to surpass 1.5 lakh, marking a significant rise in demand. The government has claimed that online booking this year will ensure a hassle-free pilgrimage for devotees.
Heli services may also begin for Gangotri and Yamunotri Dhams this year
By Arun Pratap Singh
Dehradun, 4 Apr: The portals of Gangotri and Yamunotri Dhams are set to open on 30 April this year, marking the commencement of the Uttarakhand Char Dham Yatra 2025. Sources have claimed that in a significant development, the Heli services may also be introduced for Gangotri as well as Yamunotri this year. is year. The Uttarakhand Civil Aviation Development Authority (UCADA) is expected to take a final decision soon in this respect even as the helipads at both these Dhams are now ready for heli operations.
A team from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) is likely to inspect the helipads at Gangotri and Yamunotri Dhams next week. If approved, heli services will be launched for the convenience of the pilgrims, offering a faster and more convenient travel option to the revered sites.
Sources have confirmed that UCADA has already floated tenders for heli services to Gangotri and Yamunotri Dham and notified existing heli operators in Uttarakhand regarding the development. It may be recalled that the preparations for this service have been underway since last year, but due to delays in helipad construction, operations could not begin.
With the completion of helipad work, devotees may finally get an option to reach Gangotri and Yamunotri Dham by helicopter.
Following DGCA’s inspection report, efforts will be made to start heli services at these locations. The opened tenders also mention fare rates for the service per kilometre. Further action will be taken once the tendering process is finalised.
UCADA CEO Sonika has confirmed that a DGCA team will soon arrive in Uttarakhand to inspect the newly built helipads at Gangotri and Yamunotri Dhams. As per the schedule, the inspection is expected to take place next week.
