After a three-month hiatus, the eagerly anticipated helicopter services for the Kedarnath pilgrimage are set to resume from today. However, the Uttarakhand Civil Aviation Development Authority (UCADA) has put all necessary arrangements in place, but has also issued a clear warning: flights will only be given permission to take off if the weather is favourable, with all shuttle operations subject to constant monitoring. This cautionary approach follows the suspension of services during the monsoon season.
The decision to resume flights was made following a comprehensive safety review by a team from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA). Their inspection, which took place at the key heliports of Guptkashi, Sirsi, and Phata, focused on ensuring that all safety standards were met. This included checking the technical preparedness of the helicopters and assessing the experience of the pilots and other staff employed by the aviation companies. The DGCA’s thorough inspection of the helipads, a critical step in ensuring the safety of all pilgrims, proved to be a positive experience, with all six companies successfully completing their trial flights. This has paved the way for the services to restart, much to the relief of thousands of devotees.
Our correspondent reports that the resumption of the helicopter service is a major development for the Kedarnath Yatra, as it provides a vital alternative for pilgrims who are unable to undertake the arduous 16-kilometre trek from Gauri Kund. For many, a helicopter is the only way to visit the revered shrine. However, the authorities are not taking any chances. UCADA’s CEO, Ashish Chauhan, confirmed that while preparations are complete and the meeting with the DGCA was “positive,” bad weather will be a strict disqualifier for any flight.
There will be no compromise on passenger safety,” our correspondent adds. The new stringent regulations will ensure that all aviation companies adhere to a high standard of operation, with every shuttle being closely supervised. This is particularly important for an aviation service that operates in a geographically challenging and weather-sensitive region like the state’s mountainous terrain. The state has previously faced tragic incidents during adverse weather, and this proactive measure is a clear sign that the authorities have learned from past events and are prioritising pilgrim welfare above all.
The new regulations are also a response to the growing number of pilgrims. With the monsoon season having recently ended, the footfall on the Char Dham Yatra has seen a significant increase. The resumption of helicopter services will now help manage this influx and provide a much-needed boost to the local economy, which relies heavily on tourism.
Our correspondent reports that the six helicopter companies, which are now on standby at the Guptkashi, Sirsi, and Phata helipads, are ready to begin operations as soon as they get the green light. The successful trial runs and the positive feedback from the DGCA’s inspection indicate that the teams are well-prepared.
The restarting of the helicopter services marks the beginning of the post-monsoon phase of the pilgrimage season, which is typically a very busy period for the shrine. The cautious approach from the authorities, while potentially causing some delays for pilgrims, is a necessary measure to guarantee a safe and secure journey for everyone.
