Heavy rush of helicopters on Kedarnath route

HELICOPTER services for Kedarnath pilgrimage, part of the world-famous Char Dham Yatra, have gained significant momentum, with over 250 daily flights to the sacred shrine.

- NARENDRA SETHI

"A total of nine private helicopter companies are operating more than 250 flights daily to Kedarnath, ferrying approximately 1,500 pilgrims daily to the holy shrine of Baba Kedar," a Tourism Department spokesperson stated.

Sources in the Uttarakhand Tourism Department's Yatra division said, "With favourable weather conditions, regular helicopter flights have facilitated the transportation of 76,210 pilgrims to the revered temple so far."

Approximately 1,500 devotees are now utilizing the helicopter service for Baba Kedar daily. The preferences of pilgrims have changed over the years. Earlier, they were forced to trek hundreds of kilometres on foot. The introduction of helicopter services for the yatra, initiated over a decade ago, has gained immense popularity.