Garhwal Post Bureau
Dehradun, 8 Apr: Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Uttarakhand Civil Aviation Development Authority (UCADA), Ashish Chauhan stated today that government is taking steps to make the Kedarnath heli shuttle service fully high-tech for the upcoming Char Dham Yatra. He stated that the steps being taken are aimed at ensuring a safer, smoother and more transparent travel experience for pilgrims. Chauhan further shared that the chopper services are scheduled to begin from 22 April with the opening of the portals of Kedarnath shrine.
Chauhan claimed that, on the directions of Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, advanced technologies have been integrated into the heli services this year. A comprehensive monitoring system has been put in place to oversee operations across the route, while special emphasis has been laid on safety, real-time tracking and efficient management of air traffic during the pilgrimage season, he claimed.
The Kedarnath heli service, which will operate from eight helipads along the yatra route, is being equipped with a robust surveillance mechanism by UCADA with a total of 18 pan-tilt-zoom cameras being installed to maintain constant vigil over flight operations, of which 12 have already been installed while work on the remaining six is in progress, enabling real-time monitoring and facilitating prompt response in case of any emergency.
In a major safety enhancement, all the helicopters operating on the route have been mandatorily equipped with live tracking devices, which will allow the authorities to instantly track their location in the event of any mishap or emergency, thereby significantly improving the speed and effectiveness of rescue operations.
To strengthen communication systems, three Very High Frequency setups have been installed at helipads along the route, with an equal number kept as backup, ensuring uninterrupted coordination between the pilots and the ground control. In addition, efforts are also underway to provide precise and timely weather updates through the installation of Automatic Weather Observing Systems and ceilometers at key locations including Sahastradhara, Kedarnath, Badrinath, Sitapur, Jhala and Kharsali, which will enable pilots and control rooms to take informed decisions regarding flight operations.
According to Chauhan, Air Traffic Control (ATC) facilities will be made operational at Kedarnath, Badrinath, Sahastradhara and Sirsi during the Char Dham Yatra. The ATC centres are already functional at Sahastradhara and Sirsi while similar facilities are to be made operational shortly at Kedarnath and Badrinath, ensuring seamless dissemination of information related to weather conditions, flight schedules, delays or cancellations so that passengers remain well informed in advance.
Ashish Chauhan, stated that heli services during the Char Dham Yatra will be monitored on high alert, with continuous oversight by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation, the India Meteorological Department and the Airports Authority of India, while installation of PTZ cameras, VHF systems, ceilometers and automated weather systems at all helipads is being carried out on a priority basis.
