The Uttarakhand government has announced that a new helicopter service will begin from October 1, linking Pithoragarh with the remote towns of Munsyari and Dharchula. The initiative, aimed at improving connectivity in the border districts, has been approved under the Union Civil Aviation Ministry’s regional connectivity scheme and will be operated by Heritage Aviation.
Our correspondent reports that the service is being seen as a significant step forward for both residents and tourists. The journey from Pithoragarh to Munsyari or Dharchula often takes many hours by road, with routes frequently disrupted by landslides or weather conditions. With the new service, travel times will be drastically reduced, allowing easier access to these difficult to reach locations.
According to the Uttarakhand Civil Aviation Development Authority, preparations are in the final stages. Helipads are being readied, safety protocols reviewed, and logistical coordination carried out with the district administration. Heritage Aviation has been tasked with managing operations, and details about schedules and fares will be announced shortly.
Our correspondent adds that Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami had personally taken up the matter with the Union Civil Aviation Minister earlier this year. The state government has repeatedly underlined the need for strong aerial connectivity in border areas, both to boost tourism and to ensure that residents have reliable access to healthcare, education, and emergency services.
The new helicopter routes will also provide crucial support for disaster management. In regions that remain vulnerable to flash floods, landslides, and heavy snowfall, helicopters can provide quick evacuation, relief delivery, and medical transport. Officials say the service is part of a broader push to integrate remote Uttarakhand more closely with the state’s infrastructure and economic hubs.
Our correspondent reports that local tourism stakeholders have welcomed the announcement, describing it as a potential game changer. Munsyari, known for its trekking routes and views of the Panchachuli peaks, is expected to attract more visitors once the helicopter service is operational. Similarly, Dharchula, a border town of strategic and cultural importance, may benefit from greater domestic and international tourist inflow.
Our correspondent adds that residents too see the service as a lifeline. In interviews, locals pointed out that access to hospitals in Pithoragarh often becomes impossible during heavy rainfall. Helicopter connectivity, they said, would reduce the hardships faced in emergencies. Traders in the region also expect smoother links to markets, helping boost economic activity.
The heli service is being rolled out under the Udan scheme, designed to make regional air travel affordable and accessible. Officials indicated that fares would be subsidised to encourage more people to use the service. Once operational, it will be closely monitored to assess demand, with the possibility of expanding routes to other remote locations if the model succeeds.
With the start date approaching, the government has instructed officials to ensure that helipads are fully prepared, safety standards are strictly implemented, and passenger services are in place. For Uttarakhand, the new service represents both progress and promise, a tangible step toward reducing isolation in its most remote corners.
