Good news awaits those planning to embark on the 2025 Char Dham Yatra: the DGCA has given the go-ahead for the reinstatement of helicopter services. The decision follows favorable weather conditions, with decreased monsoon activity. A review meeting was conducted under the leadership of the Minister of Civil Aviation, with a primary focus on enhancing the safety measures for the pilgrimage.
The Ministry of Civil Aviation emphasized that there would be zero tolerance for any security breaches, instructing the DGCA to take decisive actions to ensure safe travel. The ministry collaborated with the Uttarakhand government, including Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, in multiple review meetings to improve coordination between the DGCA, the Airports Authority of India, the state government, and the Uttarakhand Civil Aviation Development Authority.
The DGCA conducted a thorough evaluation of all helicopter operations. This involved assessing all helipads, helicopters, and the preparedness of operators between September 13th and 16th. Following the assessment, the DGCA approved the resumption of helicopter operations. All helicopter operators and pilots received crucial information regarding challenges and additional safety measures relevant to pilgrimage operations.
The Ministry of Civil Aviation stresses the importance of helicopter services in easing the travel of pilgrims to high-altitude sites in Uttarakhand. The DGCA will closely oversee helicopter operations to maintain safety standards. This follows concerns about helicopter safety raised by several crashes in the Char Dham sector in May-June. Various high-level committees have recommended strict safety measures for secure helicopter operations.
Helicopter Service Details:
Charter services will be offered from Sahastradhara, Dehradun, to various locations including Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath.
Shuttle services will operate from Guptkashi, Phata, and Sitapur to the Shri Kedarnath Ji Helipad.
A total of six helicopter operators will provide shuttle services from Guptkashi, Phata, and Sitapur, while seven operators will offer charter flights from Dehradun (Sahastradhara).
Passengers will receive comprehensive safety briefings, including how to use seatbelts, boarding and disembarking safely, and emergency procedures before boarding the helicopters.