New Delhi, Nov 22: Wanting to boost internal air connectivity between different districts of Jammu and Kashmir, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has decided to continue subsidized helicopter services on five routes within the Union Territory for a period of five years with effect from April 1. has approved. 2021 to 31 March 2026.
In a communication sent to the Chief Secretary of Jammu and Kashmir on November 18, the Ministry of Home Affairs stated that the competent authority has approved the continuation of helicopter services on five approved routes, i.e.
Kishtwar-Soundar-Nawapachi-Ishan-Kishtwar, Jammu-Rajouri. has given its approval. Poonch-Jammu, Jammu-Doda-Kishtwar-Jammu, Bandipora-Kanjalwan-Dawar-Neri-Bandipora, and Kupwara-Machhil-Tangdhar-Keran-Kupwara.
The Ministry of Home Affairs will provide a subsidy equal to 75% of the total cost of operation or 20% of the actual operating cost, whichever is higher, after deducting passenger recovery. The remaining cost will be borne by the J&K Government.
“The idea is to promote internal air connectivity between the remote areas of J&K, as desired by both the Ministry of Home Affairs and the Government of J&K. The subsidized helicopter services can be used for medical evacuation and other emergencies,” a J&K government official told TOI.
The MHA, in its letter to the Chief Secretary of Jammu and Kashmir, said that it may increase or decrease the number of helicopters or flight hours and also start helicopter services on additional routes within the sanctioned financial outlay, which would reduce the operating cost. The year-wise central share of Rs.6.24 crore stands at Rs. 2021-22 to 2023-24, Rs 7.5 crore in 2024-25 and Rs 8.13 crore in 2025-26. The central share will be paid by the MHA directly to the helicopter operators.
A tender process for induction of Helicopter Operators can be done either directly by the MHA or the Government of J&K, with the tender documents being scrutinized by the MHA.
There will be no restriction for the private sector to operate helicopter services on existing routes without any subsidy.
VIPs, Central or J&K Government officials or tourists will not be eligible for the subsidized fare and will have to pay the full fare subject to the availability of seats.
