Expensive Kedarnath Heli Service for Chardham Yatra 2023 with Increased Fare
Summary
According to the latest update for Char Dham Yatra 2023, 70 percent of the tickets for Kedarnath Dham have been booked online. This means that a majority of pilgrims are opting for the convenience of online booking. However, 30 percent of the tickets are being given through Heli companies, indicating that some pilgrims prefer the faster and more luxurious option of traveling by helicopter. It is clear that both online booking and Heli services are popular choices for Char Dham Yatra, catering to the different needs and preferences of the pilgrims.
Expansion
During this year’s Chardham Yatra, it has been reported that the cost of traveling to Kedarnath Dham by helicopter has become more expensive. This is due to an increase in fares by the Heli companies operating in the region, who have raised prices after a gap of three years. The Uttarakhand Civil Aviation Development Authority (UCADA) has selected four companies to provide helicopter services from Guptkashi, Sirsi, and Phata for the pilgrimage. In 2020, UCADA signed contracts with nine different companies for Heli services during the yatra. However, with the contracts expiring in 2022, UCADA has initiated a fresh tender process to select new companies for the current season. Despite the increase in fares, helicopter services remain a popular option for pilgrims, given the speed and convenience they offer.
As per the latest updates on the Chardham Yatra 2023, advance bookings for GMVN’s guest houses have already exceeded five crores, indicating a high level of demand for accommodation during the pilgrimage. Additionally, four companies have been awarded the contract to operate Heli services from Sirsi helipad to Kedarnath Dham. These companies are Himalayan Heli and Cattral Aviation for the Sirsi route, and Pawan Hans and Cattral Aviation for the Phata route.
However, it has been reported that the fares for Heli services have increased compared to last year. The round-trip fare for Heli services from Phata to Kedarnath Dham has been fixed at Rs 5500 per passenger, while the fare from Sirsi to Kedarnath Dham is Rs 5498 per passenger. This marks an increase of Rs 780 and Rs 818 per passenger, respectively, as compared to the fares from the previous year. Despite the increase in fares, Heli services continue to be a popular option for pilgrims seeking to save time and travel comfortably.
Re-tender for Heli service from Guptkashi
It has been reported that the tendering process for operating Heli services from Guptkashi to Kedarnath Dham is being carried out once again. The previous tender was awarded to only one company, which prompted the Uttarakhand Civil Aviation Development Authority (UCADA) to invite tenders from other Heli companies. As a result, UCADA has issued a fresh tender for the operation of Heli services on this route, inviting bids from interested companies. This move is aimed at promoting transparency and ensuring that the best possible services are provided to pilgrims during the Chardham Yatra. With the tendering process underway, it remains to be seen which companies will be selected to provide Heli services on this important pilgrimage route.
IRCTC will have Contract for ticket booking
It has been reported that IRCTC, the Indian Railway Catering, and Tourism Corporation, is in the process of tying up with Heli service providers for the booking of tickets during the Chardham Yatra. However, if this memorandum of understanding (MOU) is not finalized before the start of the pilgrimage, the booking of tickets for Heli services will be done through the Uttarakhand Civil Aviation Development Authority (UCADA). This move is aimed at ensuring that pilgrims have a hassle-free experience while booking tickets for Heli services during the journey. With IRCTC’s involvement, it is expected that the process of booking Heli tickets will become more efficient and streamlined, benefiting the large number of pilgrims who undertake the Chardham Yatra every year.
Ticket booking can start from the first week of April
As the Chardham Yatra 2023 approaches, it has been reported that the booking of tickets for the Kedarnath Heli service may begin as early as the first week of April. This comes as welcome news for pilgrims who are planning to undertake the journey via helicopter. It has also been noted that 70 percent of the tickets for Kedarnath Dham are available for online booking, while the remaining 30 percent are offered through Heli companies. This arrangement provides flexibility for pilgrims who may prefer different modes of booking depending on their individual needs and preferences. With the booking process set to begin soon, it is expected that many pilgrims will take advantage of the Heli service to travel quickly and comfortably to their destination.
To and fro fare for Kedarnath Heli service
Location New Rates Pre Rent
Sirsi 5498 4680
Phata 5500 4720
