Over 21,000 pilgrims avail helicopter services for Char Dham Yatra since April 22

Dehradun, The Uttarakhand Civil Aviation Development Authority (UCADA) has facilitated Char Dham Yatra for over 21,000 pilgrims through helicopter services since April 22 using its advanced monitoring system, officials said on Tuesday.

According to the officials, 17,976 passengers used shuttle services from Phata, Guptkashi, and Sirsi, and 3,974 pilgrims had completed the circuit via chartered flights as of May 10.

The Integrated Command and Control and Communication Centre (ICCCC) at Sahastradhara heliport ensured safe flight operations despite challenging weather conditions, officials said.


A six-member joint team comprising officials from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), India Meteorological Department (IMD), and UCADA coordinated with the Air Traffic Control (ATC) for safe pilgrimage.

The ICCCC monitored heli-routes and tracking devices for every shuttle trip in real-time. High-definition cameras installed across all routes tracked landings and take-offs to enable immediate response during emergencies, they said.

UCADA CEO Ashish Chauhan said the state government has been using modern technology to make the yatra safer and more systematic under the direction of Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami.

"We are monitoring every flight for visibility and safety parameters before granting clearance," he added.

The portals of Gangotri and Yamunotri shrines reopened on April 19, on the occasion of Akshaya Tritiya, marking the commencement of the annual Char Dham Yatra in Uttarakhand after a six-month winter break. While Kedarnath and Badrinath temples were opened on April 22 and April 23, respectively.