CM inaugurates helicopter services to new locations from Sahastradhara helipad
Friday, 11 OCTOBER 2024 | PNS | DEHRADUN
Chief minister Pushkar Singh Dhami inaugurated the passenger terminal building at Sahastradhara helipad and launched the Dehradun-Almora helicopter service on Thursday. Besides this, he also announced the introduction of air services to three new destinations in the State – Yamunotri, Gauchar and Joshiyada from Sahastradhara helipad under the Mukhyamantri Udan Khatola Scheme as part of Uttarakhand air connectivity.
The CM also interacted with passengers from Almora virtually. The newly constructed passenger terminal at Sahastradhara helipad boasts modern amenities and has been designed to accommodate the growing number of passengers, with the government investing Rs 24.82 crore in its construction. The terminal can seat around 400 passengers and offers a range of advanced facilities. Pawan Hans Limited will operate a double-engine helicopter service on this route, providing affordable travel options to citizens and tourists, particularly in the Kumaon region. The helicopter service will operate six days a week, with a fare of Rs 4,989 per person, covering the distance in approximately 55 minutes.
Dhami said that the State government had been striving to initiate these services for a long time and with the expansion of Sahastradhara Helipad, this goal has now been realised. He stated that air services to other destinations in the State, including Chinyalisaur, Gauchar, Munsiyari, Srinagar, Haldwani and Pithoragarh, are already operational, benefiting residents and tourists alike. He further stated that the Dehradun-Almora helicopter service will significantly boost tourism, the economy and employment opportunities. It will also benefit local artisans, particularly women producing traditional products. He said that the service is expected to bring a positive change in people’s lives by improving connectivity to one of the State’s oldest towns, Almora, known for its cultural and historical significance. With landmarks like Jageshwar Dham, Chitai Golju temple and Katarmal Surya temple, Almora is a hub of religious tourism. The introduction of helicopter services will make it easier for tourists to visit, reducing the time spent on long road journeys. Dhami also credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision and stated that it enabled the modernisation and accessibility of air services across the country, particularly in geographically challenging states like Uttarakhand. The focus on improving air services has made air travel a popular mode of transport for citizens.
He informed that the ongoing work to develop Dehradun Airport into an international hub and the transfer of over 800 acres for the expansion of Pantnagar Airport demonstrate the State’s commitment to advancing its aviation infrastructure. He said that he has also requested Modi for the proper operation of the Chinyalisaur airstrip as successful trial landings have already occurred in Pithoragarh, with more in the pipeline. Besides the CM, union minister Ajay Tamta, cabinet ministers Satpal Maharaj, Premchand Aggarwal and Ganesh Joshi, along with MPs Naresh Bansal and Khajan Das and several state officials and legislators were also present at the event.
