Dehradun, May 11, 2026:
The Integrated Command, Control and Communication Centre (ICCCC) established by the Uttarakhand Civil Aviation Development Authority is playing a crucial role in making the Char Dham Yatra safer, smoother and technology-driven. The state-of-the-art control centre set up at Sahastradhara Heliport in Dehradun is continuously monitoring helicopter operations, even during adverse weather conditions, to ensure the safety of pilgrims.
More than 21,000 pilgrims have availed helicopter services for the Char Dham Yatra since April 22, 2026. According to UCADA, 17,976 passengers have undertaken the pilgrimage through shuttle services operating from Phata, Guptkashi and Sirsi, while 3,974 devotees completed Char Dham darshan through chartered helicopter services till May 10.
A six-member expert team comprising officials from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), India Meteorological Department (IMD) and UCADA has been deployed at the ICCCCC round the clock. The team is coordinating with Air Traffic Control (ATC) to ensure safe, regulated and seamless helicopter operations throughout the pilgrimage season. Real-time monitoring of helicopter routes, tracking devices, shuttle services and every flight movement is being carried out from the command centre.
PTZ cameras installed across all heli routes are continuously monitoring helicopter take-offs and landings, enabling immediate response in case of any emergency. Considering the challenging terrain, poor visibility and changing weather conditions in the Himalayan region, every helicopter movement is being operated only after clearance from ATC and the monitoring team.
UCADA CEO Dr. Ashish Chauhan said that under the guidance of Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, the Char Dham helicopter services are being made more secure, accessible and well-organized through advanced technology. He informed that Integrated Command, Control and Communication Centres have been established at Sahastradhara and Sirsi in compliance with DGCA guidelines, where DGCA and IMD officials are continuously supervising operations.
He further stated that every helicopter flight is being monitored in real time and weather conditions are being assessed constantly to ensure the highest level of passenger safety.
The helicopter ticketing system has also remained secure and transparent during the ongoing pilgrimage season. According to UCADA officials, no complaints related to helicopter ticket fraud have been reported so far. Pilgrims are booking tickets only through the official portal heliyatra.co.in.
With advanced monitoring systems, real-time operational tracking and weather-based regulation, the Char Dham helicopter services are becoming more efficient and reliable, further strengthening pilgrims’ confidence in the system.
