Monday, October 13, 2025

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September 19, 2025 11:03 AM IST

Chardham Yatra helicopter service

DGCA clears Chardham Yatra helicopter services after monsoon break, issues stricter safety norms

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has approved the resumption of helicopter services for the Chardham Yatra from September 15–16, following the monsoon break, with enhanced safety measures in place.

The clearance was granted after a detailed inspection of helipads, helicopters, operators’ preparedness and support facilities conducted between September 13 and 16, Civil Aviation Ministry said.

Civil Aviation Minister Rammohan Naidu held multiple review meetings with Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami in Dehradun and Delhi to ensure close coordination between DGCA, the Airports Authority of India (AAI) and Uttarakhand Civil Aviation Development Authority (UCADA).

“In line with the Minister’s directive of zero tolerance for lapses, DGCA has implemented strict safety protocols and will maintain constant on-ground monitoring,” the ministry added.

The measures include mandatory route checks and recurrent training for all pilots, special emphasis on high-altitude operations, comprehensive airworthiness inspections, strict enforcement of weight and balance limits, and real-time weather updates. Passenger safety briefings and deployment of additional ground staff at helipads have also been made mandatory.

The Chardham Yatra helicopter services comprise charter flights from Dehradun’s Sahastradhara to Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath and Badrinath, along with shuttle operations to Kedarnath from Guptkashi, Phata and Sitapur. A total of six operators will handle shuttle services, while seven operators/consortiums will conduct charter operations.

The move comes after a spate of helicopter accidents in the Chardham sector earlier this year, following which high-powered committees recommended deployment of ATC personnel by AAI, IMD officials for weather monitoring and qualified staff in UCADA control rooms.

Resumption of helicopter operations is expected to ensure safe, reliable and efficient transport for pilgrims visiting the high-altitude shrines.

 

Last updated on: 13th Oct 2025