Centre to conduct safety review of chopper operations at Chardham
The centre is set to conduct a safety review of chopper operations at the Chardham Yatra following another incident in the area, sources told businessline.
The safety review comes after a spate of chopper-related incidents have occurred. In one such incident, a helicopter crashed close to Gangotri, killing six people, while on May 12, a chopper blade struck a car at Badrinath Helipad.
Sources alleged that operators overload their helicopters to maximise profits, despite strict safety norms by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA).
Besides, the DGCA has stationed a regulatory team at Sahastradhara helidrome in Dehradun to monitor chopper operations.
Sources told businessline that the regulator has come down heavily on chopper operators and is conducting on-the-ground surveillance and reviews of operations.
“DGCA’s teams have been working round the clock to ensure that safety norms are being followed. If need be, then stricter steps will be taken by the regulator to ensure absolute compliance with safety norms,” sources told businessline.
“If lapses are found, then hefty fines will be imposed by the DGCA.”
The Chardham yatra includes pilgrimage to shrines such as Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath between May-June and September-October.
Lately, these helicopter services have grown in popularity, providing a faster and more comfortable option to visit Uttarakhand’s four sacred shrines, as they avoid long overland journeys.
The pilgrimage of Chardham by helicopter can be completed in three to five days.
A travel package, according to an industry insider, includes helicopter flights between Dehradun and the four Dhams, VIP temple darshan passes, luxury hotels and meals, ground transportation from helipads to temples, and personalised support.
On average, these services cost from ₹1.5 lakh to ₹10 lakh, depending on the package the pilgrim avails.
Published on June 8, 2025
