The Uttarakhand state government is initiating significant measures to organise and enhance the safety of helicopter services operating for the Kedarnath Dham. The Uttarakhand Civil Aviation Development Authority (UCADA) has secured government permission to develop a comprehensive heliport in the Kedar Valley.

Infrastructure And Facilities

The proposed heliport in the Kedar Valley will be modelled after the existing facility in Sahasradhara. UCADA will soon begin identifying land for this project. To ensure maximum safety and efficiency, the heliport will be equipped with essential technical facilities, including:

  • A dedicated weather station and weather cameras.
  • Wind direction indicators.
  • Surveillance or CCTV cameras.
  • Passenger security measures.
  • Ambulance and medical facilities.

Consolidation of Operations: Currently, helicopter services operate from scattered helipads in Fata, Sirsi and Guptkashi. The new project aims to consolidate these services, allowing operations from a single location. This is expected to provide significant relief and convenience to passengers.

Safety Context And Regulatory Changes

The push for these upgrades follows accidents that occurred during the first phase of this year's Char Dham Yatra.

Safety Interventions: Following the incidents, the focus shifted heavily toward safety. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) revised standards for helicopter operations for the second phase of the yatra, which began in September.

Results: As a result of these stricter standards, the second phase was completed safely without incident.

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Outlook For The Upcoming Yatra (April)

With the Char Dham Yatra scheduled to resume in April next year, UCADA has already commenced preparations and is in continuous discussion with the DGCA.

Operational Capacity: During the second phase of this year's yatra, safety was prioritized by reducing the number of trips. This led to a 30 per cent reduction in passenger numbers and a subsequent increase in fares.

Future Fares: Preparations are underway to operate the upcoming yatra at this same controlled capacity. Consequently, helicopter service fares may see an increase next year.

Official Statement

UCADA CEO, Ashish Chauhan,"The development of a heliport in the Kedar Valley, modelled on Sahasradhara, is being considered. The work of identifying land here will begin soon." 

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