Heli service will start soon for Hemkund, fares will not increase
Summary
UCADA (Uttarakhand Civil Aviation Development Authority) recently issued two tender invitations for the Hemkund Sahib Heli Service. Interestingly, both tenders received applications from the same company. It is worth mentioning that the company successfully operated the heli service on a contractual basis last year. Consequently, UCADA has decided to award the contract for operating the heli service once again to the same company based on their past performance and expertise in this area.
Expansion
The Heli service fare for Hemkund Sahib remains unchanged this year. Just like last year, the Uttarakhand Civil Aviation Development Authority (UCADA) has set the helicopter fare from Govindghat to Ghangharia at Rs 5,950 per passenger for a round trip. The heli service is expected to commence shortly after obtaining the necessary permission from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA).
UCADA (Uttarakhand Civil Aviation Development Authority) issued two tender invitations for the Hemkund Sahib Heli Service, and interestingly, both times the applications were made on behalf of the same company. It is noteworthy that the company successfully operated the heli service on a contractual basis last year. Considering their prior experience, UCADA has entrusted the company with the responsibility of operating the heli service once again. The pilgrimage to Hemkund Sahib commenced on 20th May, allowing devotees to embark on their spiritual journey.
C. Ravi Shankar, the Additional Secretary, and CEO of UCADA, has announced that the heli service for Hemkund Sahib will be initiated soon. Notably, there has been no change in the fare for this service. The company responsible for operating the heli service has been awarded the job once again at the same fare rates as last year. This decision ensures continuity in providing the heli service to pilgrims without any price increase.
Dr. Brijesh Sati, the General Secretary of Uttarakhand Chardham Teerth Purohit Mahapanchayat, recently held a meeting with Sachin Kurve, the Secretary of Tourism and Civil Aviation, to discuss an important demand. Dr. Sati emphasized the need to establish a direct air service from Dehradun to Joshimath. He highlighted the fact that regular air service is already operational from Dehradun to Gauchar. Dr. Sati believes that initiating air service from Dehradun to Joshimath would greatly benefit passengers and tourists visiting popular destinations such as Badrinath, Hemkund Sahib, and the Valley of Flowers. This step would not only enhance pilgrimage and tourism experiences but also provide a significant boost to the overall industry.
