JNM journalist Hardeep Jamwal, Jammu
In a major step towards promoting religious tourism in Jammu and Kashmir, a direct helicopter service has been launched from Katra to Shivkhori Dham. On Thursday, Lieutenant Governor of Jammu and Kashmir Manoj Sinha formally inaugurated the new helicopter service. The launch of this service will provide significant convenience to pilgrims traveling to Shivkhori after visiting Mata Vaishno Devi.
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 has the capacity to operate five helicopters at a time, allowing for further increase in the number of flights in the future.
Addressing the event, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha said that the government is continuously working to provide better facilities to pilgrims. He added that the elderly, women, the disabled, and pilgrims coming from remote areas will benefit the most from this service. The demand for additional helicopter service has been long-standing among pilgrims, and this has now been fulfilled.
He stated that religious tourism plays a vital role in strengthening Jammu and Kashmir’s economy. The resumption of air service between Katra and Shivkhori will also benefit local businesses, the hotel industry, taxi services, and small traders. The administration will also work on new projects to connect religious sites with modern facilities in the future.
This helicopter service will also allow pilgrims to enjoy beautiful aerial views of the Trikuta Mountains and surrounding hilly areas. This is expected to boost air tourism and adventure tourism, along with religious tourism.
Several officials and dignitaries were present at the event, including Shrine Board Chief Executive Officer Sachin Vaish, Shri Mata Vaishno Devi MLA Baldev Raj Sharma, and Reasi MLA Kuldeep Raj Dubey.
