Kedarnath Heli Service: IRCTC will start online booking of tickets from April 8, will be able to apply here
Summary
Kedarnath Heli Service Update: To gain access to a helipad, a ticket is mandatory as it serves as a pass for entry. Passengers will only be permitted to enter the helipad after their ticket’s QR code is scanned at the designated entry point. This measure ensures that only authorized individuals with valid tickets are allowed onto the helipad for safety and security reasons.
Expansion
The booking process for Kedarnath Heli Service in Chardham Yatra will commence on April 8, with the online ticket booking portal currently being tested by IRCTC. The majority of tickets, which account for 90 percent of the total, will be available for booking through the IRCTC portal. However, a small portion of tickets, constituting 10 percent of the total, will be reserved for emergency quota and can be booked offline. This approach ensures efficient and convenient ticket booking for pilgrims undertaking the Chardham Yatra, while also accommodating emergency situations through the offline booking process.
According to C. Ravi Shankar, the CEO of Uttarakhand Civil Aviation Development Authority (UCADA), there was initially a plan to commence ticket bookings for the Kedarnath Heli service on April 5. However, due to technical issues encountered during the trial phase, the online booking process will now begin on April 8. This delay is attributed to the need for resolving the technical problems to ensure a smooth and seamless booking experience for pilgrims seeking to avail of the Heli service for their Kedarnath pilgrimage.
Entry on Helipad will be available only after scanning the QR code
To combat the issue of ticket black marketing, the booking system for the Kedarnath Heli service has been revamped to ensure transparency. Without a valid ticket, entry into any helipad will not be permitted. Passengers will only be granted access after their ticket’s QR code is scanned at the designated helipad entry point. This stringent measure aims to prevent unauthorized access and promote fair ticketing practices, ensuring that only those with valid tickets are granted entry for their pilgrimage to Kedarnath.
If the ticket is canceled by the government, then the full money will be returned
According to Ravi Shankar, new rules have been established for ticket cancellations and fare refunds for the Kedarnath Heli service. Passengers who cancel their tickets will receive refunds through the online system. In the event of Heli service cancellations due to bad weather or technical issues, passengers will be eligible for a full refund. Notably, there will be no backlog arrangements due to adverse weather conditions this time, ensuring a streamlined process for refunds and cancellations. These measures have been implemented to provide transparency and convenience to passengers, ensuring a fair and efficient system for ticket cancellations and refunds related to the Heli service.
Website for booking tickets
IRCTC has launched a dedicated website, heliyatra.irctc.co.in, for booking Heli service tickets. Passengers will have the convenience of booking their tickets through this website. This online platform provides a user-friendly and accessible way for pilgrims to secure their tickets for the Heli service, offering a seamless booking experience for their Kedarnath pilgrimage.
Heli Service Route One Way Both Way Fare (Per Passenger)
Guptkashi to Kedarnath 3870 7740
Phata to Kedarnath 2750 5500
Sirsi to Kedarnath 2749 5498
Online ticket booking will not be done without registration
To avail of the Kedarnath Heli service during the Chardham Yatra, passenger registration will be mandatory. Without registration, passengers will not be able to book tickets online for the Heli service. Additionally, an individual will only be able to book a maximum of six seats at a time using their ID, while groups of passengers can book up to 12 seats at once. This measure has been put in place to streamline the ticketing process and ensure fair access to the Heli service, while also preventing misuse or unauthorized bookings. It ensures that registered passengers have the opportunity to book their desired number of seats in a transparent and organized manner.
