JNM Journalist Hardeep Jamwal, Jammu
Taking a significant step towards promoting religious tourism in Jammu and Kashmir, a direct helicopter service has been launched connecting Katra to Shivkhori Dham. On Thursday, Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha formally inaugurated the new helicopter service. With the commencement of this service, devotees traveling to Shivkhori after paying obeisance at the Mata Vaishno Devi shrine will now experience considerable convenience.
The service has been launched from a state-of-the-art helipad constructed at a cost of approximately ₹27 crore. According to the administration, the new helipad is equipped to handle the simultaneous operation of five helicopters, a facility that will allow for an increase in the number of flights in the future.
Addressing the gathering at the event, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha stated that the government is continuously working to provide better facilities to devotees. He noted that the elderly, women, persons with disabilities, and devotees arriving from remote regions would benefit the most from this service. There had been a long-standing demand from devotees for an additional helicopter service, a demand that has now been fulfilled.
He further remarked that religious tourism plays a pivotal role in strengthening Jammu and Kashmir’s economy. The launch of air connectivity between Katra and Shivkhori is expected to benefit local businesses, the hospitality sector, taxi services, and small-scale traders. The administration also plans to work on new projects in the near future to integrate religious sites with modern amenities.
Through this helicopter service, devotees will also be able to enjoy breathtaking aerial views of the Trikuta Mountains and the surrounding hilly terrain. This initiative is expected to boost not only religious tourism but also air tourism and adventure tourism.
The event was attended by several officials and dignitaries, including Sachin Vaishya (Chief Executive Officer of the Shrine Board), MLA Baldev Raj Sharma (from Shri Mata Vaishno Devi constituency), and MLA Kuldeep Raj Dubey (from Reasi constituency).
