SRINAGAR: The Jammu and Kashmir government has finalised the tender for subsidized helicopter services in the Kashmir division, with operations commencing to improve connectivity to remote and far-flung areas.
According to an official communication issued by the Office of the Civil Aviation Commissioner, the tender for subsidised helicopter service under the wet lease model has been awarded to M/s Global Vectra Helicorp Ltd. The service is being operated at a rate of Rs 28,500 per flying hour for six offered seats, inclusive of taxes.
The helicopter services have been approved on key routes across the Kashmir sector, including Srinagar–Bandipora–Kanzalwan–Dawar–Niru–Gurez–Baduab–Badugam–Bandipora and Srinagar–Kupwara–Machil–Tangdhar–Keran–Kupwara.
The civil administration of the concerned routes has been directed to facilitate booking of passenger air tickets at the approved subsidised fares. As per the approved tariff structure, the ticket fare from Srinagar to Gurez has been fixed at Rs 3,000, Srinagar to Bandipora at Rs 2,000, and Bandipora to Gurez at Rs 2,000.
Other fares include Bandipora to Kanzalwan at Rs 2,000, Bandipora to Badugam at Rs 3,000, Srinagar to Tangdhar at Rs 3,000, Kupwara to Tangdhar at Rs 2,000, Gurez to Baduab at Rs 2,000, Bandipora to Baduab at Rs 3,000, Bandipora to Niru at Rs 3,000, and Machil to Kupwara at Rs 2,000.
Officials said the resumption of subsidised helicopter services is aimed at providing reliable and affordable air connectivity to residents of remote areas, particularly during periods when road access remains disrupted due to weather conditions. [KNT]
