Dehradun: The Kedarnath helicopter service has seen an overwhelming response, transporting 3,074 pilgrims in just three days despite challenging weather conditions.
With helicopters operated by eight aviation companies, demand for flights to Kedarnath has skyrocketed, leading to ticket bookings till June 22 being sold out within an hour.
Pilgrim rush despite weather challenges
Since the opening of Kedarnath temple doors, pilgrims eager for quick access to the sacred site have opted for helicopter services from Guptkashi, Phata, and Sirsi helipads. Kedarnath portals opened on 4 May and till then nine helicopters from eight companies completed 572 shuttles within three days. A total of 3,074 passengers reached Kedarnath by air, while 2,838 returned after darshan. Despite intermittent weather disruptions, flights resumed swiftly, ensuring minimal delays.
Kedarnath helicopter service nodal officer Rahul Chaubey confirmed that several flight operations were affected in the first two days due to bad weather, but improved conditions have allowed services to resume smoothly.
Helicopter tickets sold out in record time
The second slot of helicopter ticket bookings opened on Wednesday, May 7, covering flights from June 1 to June 22. However, due to massive demand, all available seats were sold out within an hour of the IRCTC website opening at noon. A total of 6,080 tickets were booked, covering 17,264 passengers for helicopter travel. Pilgrims struggled to secure reservations, with many losing their spots while navigating the payment gateway process. Travel plans have had to be adjusted, as many devotees failed to secure tickets for their desired dates.
High demand & future booking possibilities
The intense competition for helicopter tickets reflects the immense popularity of this mode of transport during the Char Dham Yatra. With limited availability and soaring interest, officials anticipate even higher demand in future slots. In this concern, UCADA Additional Chief Executive Officer Dayanand Saraswati confirmed that the current booking period is completely full. Further ticketing slots will be decided in June, based on availability and operational capacity.
Pilgrims advised to plan travel strategically
Given the unexpected rush, authorities urge pilgrims to book their slots early and prepare for possible changes in travel plans due to ticket availability and weather conditions. While helicopter services offer swift access, trekking and alternative travel modes remain viable options. The Kedarnath Yatra’s popularity continues to soar, with thousands choosing aerial travel for its speed and convenience. As authorities gear up for future booking rounds, pilgrims eagerly await their chance to visit the revered shrine.
