Dehradun: Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami has issued a strong directive to all stakeholders involved in heli services, emphasizing that passenger safety is paramount and no compromise on safety standards will be tolerated. Chairing a high-level review meeting at his official residence, the Chief Minister issued strict instructions to heli service providers, officials from UCADA, AAIB, and DGCA operating in the state.
Highlighting the challenging mountain terrain in which heli services operate, CM Dhami said that negligence of any kind is unacceptable. He stressed the importance of regular fitness checks, adherence to engine safety standards, and the strict implementation of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
Mandatory Audit of Past Accidents, Installation of Weather Cameras
The Chief Minister directed that a thorough audit and continuous review of previous heli accidents be undertaken to ensure similar incidents are not repeated. He also mandated the installation of real-time weather monitoring cameras, particularly in sensitive areas like the Chardham Valley and Kedarghati, to improve safety and weather forecasting capabilities.
Double-Engine Helicopter Policy on the Horizon
To further enhance safety, CM Dhami instructed UCADA to formulate a policy promoting the exclusive use of double-engine helicopters in future operations. He also recommended studying the Vaishno Devi model and implementing a similar system in Uttarakhand.
10-Year Action Plan for Heli Services
Acknowledging the growing demand for aerial transport, the Chief Minister tasked UCADA with preparing a comprehensive 10-year action plan for heli services in the state. He noted that, given Uttarakhand’s challenging geography, heli services will increasingly become a core mode of transportation.
Cleanliness, Courteous Behavior with Passengers Emphasized
CM Dhami emphasized that sensitive and courteous behavior must be maintained by all operators towards pilgrims and tourists. “Every visitor should carry back a positive and safe experience from Devbhoomi,” he said. He also instructed officials to ensure cleanliness drives are conducted along the Chardham routes.
Over 66,000 Passengers Served So Far
The Chief Minister shared that, as of 2025, over 66,000 pilgrims have availed of the heli shuttle services. Several new helipads are also under construction to expand the network and increase accessibility.
The meeting was attended by Principal Secretary R.K. Sudhanshu, R. Meenakshi Sundaram, Secretary Sachin Kurve, Additional Secretary Sonika, and representatives from various heli and chartered service providers.
