For the first time, pilgrims taking part in annual Amarnath Yatra will be able to avail helicopter services directly from Srinagar to Panchtarni as 11 choppers have been put into service for the same, officials said.

The Jammu and Kashmir administration has started helicopter service for pilgrims directly from Srinagar to Panchtarni, the last stop point located at an elevation of 3,500 meters from where a six-kilometer walk leads to the holy Amarnath cave. 

From there, devotees can either walk to the holy cave or take a horse or palki to reach the holy shrine.

Earlier, the helicopter facility was only available from Baltal and Pahalgam, which is the twin route to reach the Amarnath shrine, and from Pahalgam, pilgrims either walk or take the help of ponies and a palanquin facility.

A senior official at Shri Amarnath Shrine Board told Rising Kashmir that for the first time, helicopter service from the Srinagar airport will help pilgrims to have ‘darshan’ in a day. It is a historic step taken by the government this year, it will save time as one can complete the Yatra within a day, he said.

“Adequate arrangements have been placed for hassle-free Yatra and 11 special choppers have been deputed for the same. People can book their slots online easily,” he said.

The pilgrims reaching Srinagar international Airport from various cities of India will be boarded through special vehicles towards Hyderpora Helipad, which is barely 200 meters away from the location. It will take them at least 5 minutes to cover the distance.

Director, Airports Authority of India, Srinagar, Kuldeep Singh told Rising Kashmir that the helipad services for Yatris will be taken care of by the district administration, Budgam.

“Hyderpora Helipad is just 200 meters away from the Airport and there are adequate transport arrangements made by the district administration for the devotees,” he said.

With the addition of two new sectors from Srinagar, it will facilitate pilgrims who wish to complete the Yatra on the same day.

Deputy Commissioner (DC) Budgam, Shahbaz Ahmed Mirza said it is for the first time that direct Helicopter service has been made available for Amarnath Ji Yatris this year from Srinagar Airport to Holy cave.

He said that all Nodal Officers have been deputed at Airport and Helipad Humhama to perform the assigned task and ensure better facilities for the pilgrims.

“Yatris having unique Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) for which E-KYC Counters have been set up already,” DC said.

Another officer designated at Helipad Hyderpora told Rising Kashmir that the helicopter will take 1 and half hour to reach the Panchtarni. Then there is 6 km trek to Amarnath cave.

“The passengers have been asked to complete their darshan in 3-4 hours. There are special arrangements for such pilgrims and return back to Srinagar through the helicopter available. The chopper service will be available from sunrise to sunset,” he said.

The official also stated that so far the rush of pilgrims is normal and only 2-3 choppers are taking pilgrims at regular intervals. Once the rush will increase reserved choppers will be taken to work. At a specific time, 8-10 passengers are being ferried to Panchtarni, he said.

How to book chopper online? 

Devotees can easily log on to Shri Amarnath Shrine Board’s website www.shriamarnathjishrine.com or visit directly the Booking Portal at heliservices.jksasb.nic.in for the booking of Helicopter tickets for Shri Amarnath Yatra.

 Documents required 

·      Ticket as printed from portal. (No digital ticket will be accepted).

·      Passenger-wise ID proof as submitted at the time of online booking.

·      SASB prescribed Health certificate in original.

·      Aadhaar card in original of each passenger.

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