The state government is now preparing to start a heli shuttle service between Badrinath and Joshimath. It is proposed to be operated on the lines of Kedarnath. This will benefit the passengers. Earlier, the government had planned to start a heli service between Gauchar and Badrinath, but it could not be started. Now the government has requested the Civil Aviation Ministry to start a shuttle service between Badrinath and Joshimath. Along with this, a proposal has also been submitted to allow the operation of heli service between Dehradun to Joshimath, Pithoragarh to Dharchula and Dharchula to Munsiyari. Heli services are operated for Kedarnath every year during the Chardham Yatra in the state. These heli services are operated from Guptkashi, Phata and Sirsi. On the same lines, a heli service was proposed for Badrinath last year. In this series, it was decided to operate the helicopter service running for Hemkund Sahib for Badrinath Dham in the interim period. For this, the fare rate was also fixed along with the tender, but the passengers did not show interest in it. In view of this, this route was studied once again. Under this, it was decided to start this service from Joshimath. The distance from here to Badrinath is less and the passengers will not have to pay more fare for this. This proposal has been submitted to the central government. The Center has shown a positive attitude on this.
Commercial licenses for gyrocopters
The state government has requested the Center to give commercial licenses for gyrocopters to make the tourists in the state familiar with the thrill of air travel. There is a plan to operate these gyrocopters in Dehradun, Pithoragarh and Chinyalisaur. Gyrocopters have been operated in the state from Haridwar to Devprayag as a pilot project. Now a commercial license is needed for its regular service.
