By ARUN PRATAP SINGH
Garhwal Post Bureau
Kedarnath, 10 Jun: In a significant move to bolster passenger safety amid increasing concerns over helicopter mishaps in the Kedarnath region, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has intensified its regulatory measures for helicopter operations on the Char Dham Yatra route. The latest action includes the immediate suspension of all services of M/s Kestrel Aviation Pvt Ltd in Uttarakhand. This action comes in the wake of harsh criticism of the DGCA and the UCADA following some chopper mishaps in the state. In addition, the total number of chopper trips in Kedarnath have also been cut down by the DGCA. The DGCA and the UCADA are now claiming to adopt, as regulators, a zero-tolerance approach towards safety violations.
The decision follows recent incidents that have raised alarm regarding mechanical issues, operational lapses, and adverse weather conditions affecting helicopter safety. DGCA has shared that it launched detailed safety investigations into each occurrence and is carrying out special audits and heightened surveillance of helicopter operators engaged in, both, shuttle and charter services in the state.
Further, the DGCA has restricted helicopter operations to OGE (Out of Ground Effect) conditions until further orders and is evaluating the possibility of additional curtailments to Char Dham helicopter services, should the need arise. The aviation authority is also actively monitoring live CCTV feeds provided by the Uttarakhand Civil Aviation Development Authority (UCADA) from Kedarnath to track any deviations from Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
Yesterday, too, operations of two operators were suspended for two hours after SOP violations related to improper parking of helicopters at helipads.
In a fresh directive, DGCA has ordered a reduction in the number of helicopter sorties on the Kedarnath route. Previously, around 200 to 250 helicopter trips were being conducted daily. This has now been capped with a reduction of 60 flights per day to mitigate operational strain and enhance safety oversight. Additionally, helicopters departing from Guptkashi are now permitted only two flights per hour.
The aviation regulator’s latest enforcement action comes on the heels of the suspension of another operator in May 2025 for flouting safety norms. These consecutive measures underline DGCA’s resolve to uphold the highest safety standards for pilgrims and crew.
Pilgrims wishing to book helicopter tickets to Kedarnath must now register on the official portal heliyatra.irctc.co.in using their mobile number and email ID. Upon OTP verification, users can log in and enter their travel registration number to select the date, time slot, and number of passengers. Each user can book two tickets, with a maximum of six passengers per ticket. In case of ticket cancellations, refunds (after applicable charges) are processed within five to seven days. However, no refund is provided for cancellations made less than 24 hours before the scheduled journey.
The IRCTC-operated helicopter services are available from Fata, Sersi, and Guptkashi. The round-trip fare is Rs 6,063 from Fata, Rs 6,061 from Sersi, and Rs 8,533 from Guptkashi. Pilgrims taking these aerial routes are treated to breathtaking views of the Himalayan landscape en route to Kedarnath.
