In a major relief to pilgrims wanting to visit Mata Vaishno Devi temple, the direct helicopter service from Jammu to the temple began today, June 25, PTI reported citing officials.
This service complements the existing helicopter route between Katra, the base camp for the pilgrims who are there to visit the famous shrine atop Reasi district’s Trikuta hills, and Sanjhi Chhat near the temple, which charges Rs 2,100 per person for a one-way trip.
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Pilgrims choosing the service from Jammu can select from two packages: Rs 35,000 per passenger for a same-day return, and Rs 60,000 per person for a next-day return. The inaugural flight for the new service departed from Jammu airport around 11 am, landing at Panchi helipad along the new trek to the shrine.
“The service is part of continuous efforts to provide better facilities to the pilgrims visiting the shrine,” Anshul Garg, Chief Executive Officer of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board (SMVDSB) said after the inauguration.
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“We have been getting requests from the pilgrims from faraway places within the country and abroad, facing time constraints, for a direct service between Jammu and the shrine,” Garg continued.
According to the officials, the new helicopter service was initiated under the directions of the shrine board chairman and Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha.
Based on the feedback from the pilgrims on the operation, the board will approach its expansion in the future. Garg also mentioned that the Panchi helipad’s lower elevation makes it less affected by bad weather compared to Sanjhi Chhat.
A pilgrim from Madhya Pradesh, who used the service with his family, praised its comfort and suitability for those with time constraints, the elderly, and children.
