Char Dham Yatra 2025: DGCA allows helicopter services to resume

Char Dham Yatra 2025: There's good news for pilgrims traveling to the Chardham Yatra in 2025. Following the monsoon rains and clear weather, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has authorized the resumption of helicopter services. A review meeting was held under the leadership of Civil Aviation Minister Kinjarapu Rammohan Naidu. During this meeting, initiatives were taken to make the Chardham Yatra even safer.

Following recent accidents, safety review meetings were held, and the DGCA assessed helipads and operators.

Also Read: DUSU Election Results 2025: Vote counting begins; ABVP, NSUI in close contest

Good news for pilgrims

According to the Ministry of Civil Aviation, the DGCA has been instructed to take strict measures and ensure a safe journey, with a clear mandate to ensure zero tolerance for any security lapses. The ministry stated, "Minister Ram Mohan Naidu held several review meetings with Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami in Dehradun and Delhi to ensure better coordination between the DGCA, the Airports Authority of India, the state government, and the Uttarakhand Civil Aviation Development Authority."

DGCA to Monitor Chardham Yatra Helicopter Service

The ministry stated that the DGCA, from September 13th to 16th, conducted an assessment of the preparedness of all helipads, helicopters, and operators. Following this assessment, the DGCA granted permission for helicopter operations. Furthermore, the DGCA briefed all helicopter operators and pilots on the challenges and additional safety measures related to the pilgrimage operations.

Also Read: DUSU Election 2025: Voting for DUSU elections today, results will be declared tomorrow

The ministry stated that helicopter services are crucial for improving the movement of pilgrims to high-altitude pilgrimage sites in Uttarakhand, and therefore, the DGCA has enhanced safety measures to ensure safe and uninterrupted helicopter operations. It will closely monitor the Chardham Yatra helicopter operations. In fact, several helicopters crashed in the Chardham sector in May-June this year, raising questions about helicopter operations. Several high-powered committees recommended safety measures for safe helicopter operations.

Helicopter Services for Chardham Yatra

Charter services will be provided from Sahastradhara in Dehradun to Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath.

Shuttle services will be provided from the Guptkashi, Phata, and Sitapur clusters to the Shri Kedarnathji helipad.

A total of six helicopter operators will operate helicopter shuttles from the Guptkashi, Phata, and Sitapur clusters, and seven will operate charter flights from Dehradun (Sahastradhara).

Passengers will be made aware

Summary

Before boarding the helicopter, all passengers will be provided with safety information, including seat belt use, safe boarding and disembarkation, and emergency measures.