In response to helicopter accidents during the first phase of this year’s Char Dham Yatra, the Uttarakhand government has introduced stricter measures for the second phase of Kedarnath helicopter services.
Control rooms will be set up in Kedarnath, Sirsi, and Dehradun to monitor flight operations, while an automated weather observation system will track real-time conditions. Pilot flying hours will also be closely supervised to ensure safety.
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Helicopter services to Kedarnath will resume on September 15, with bookings opening from September 10. The number of passengers and shuttle services has been reduced to enhance safety. Daily shuttle services will now be limited to 184 flights, carrying a maximum of 1,012 passengers to Kedarnath and the same number back. Flights will be suspended during adverse weather, and pilots will not operate for more than eight hours per day.
Only seven companies will be allowed to operate during the second phase. Aryan Aviation and Heritage Aviation have been barred due to past accidents and violations of operational standards.
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“Preparations for Kedarnath helicopter operations are complete. All possible measures are being taken as per DGCA directives to ensure the yatra is safe,” said Ashish Chauhan, CEO of UCADA.