The Char Dham helicopter service, temporarily suspended following a recent helicopter accident near Kedarnath Dham, is resuming operations on Tuesday. The government has instructed that passenger safety be given top priority alongside the service's restoration.
Dehradun: Air service for the Uttarakhand Char Dham Yatra is resuming on Tuesday. The helicopter service, temporarily suspended as a precaution following a helicopter crash near Kedarnath Dham on June 15th, is being reinstated with new safety standards and strict guidelines. Under the direction of Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, a new Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) is being developed for helicopter operations. This SOP mandates technical checks of flights, weather forecasts, and reviews of previous accidents.
Helicopter Service Halted After Accident
On June 15th, 2025, a helicopter crashed near Kedarnath Dham, raising concerns about the air route for the Char Dham Yatra. While no major losses were reported, previous helicopter accidents in Uttarakhand have resulted in fatalities. Considering this, the state government immediately suspended the service and ordered a review of all safety standards before resuming operations.
CM Dhami's Directive: No Compromise on Safety
Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami has given strict instructions to officials before reinstating helicopter services. He emphasized that helicopter operations are crucial not only for pilgrimage but also for disaster management and emergency services. Safety must be paramount; any lapse could jeopardize the state's image and the lives of pilgrims.
The Chief Minister has instructed the Chief Secretary to form a committee of technical experts to thoroughly review every technical and safety aspect of helicopter services and develop a standardized SOP. This SOP will be implemented before every flight to ensure transparent, accountable, and safe helicopter operations.
Committee to Investigate Recent Accident
The previously established high-level helicopter crash investigation committee has been tasked with conducting a detailed investigation into the recent Kedarnath accident. This committee will determine the cause of the crash, identify responsible parties, and recommend steps to prevent future occurrences. The SOP will be revised based on this report.
Highlights of the New SOP
The new SOP will include several key points:
- Mandatory pre-flight technical inspection of helicopters.
- Verification of pilot licenses, health reports, and flight hours.
- Confirmation of weather forecasts from the IMD before each flight.
- Route map and real-time monitoring reports after each flight.
- Digital recording of complete details of passengers on board during each flight.
- Mandatory CCTV surveillance and emergency rescue equipment at helipads.
Pilgrims undertaking the Char Dham Yatra have welcomed this decision but remain concerned about safety. A pilgrim, Ajay Kumar, stated, "Helicopter service is very convenient, but fear persists until safety is fully ensured. We hope the government's new SOP will prevent future accidents."
