Latest news with #UttarakhandCivilAviationDevelopmentAuthority
New Indian Express
a day ago
- Politics
- New Indian Express
Uttarakhand CM Dhami warns heli operators after Char Dham mishaps; orders full safety audit
DEHRADUN: Taking a stringent stance on the series of recent helicopter mishaps during the Char Dham yatra, Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami on Wednesday warned heli operators to strictly prioritise safety over soaring passenger demand. He ordered a full safety audit and review of past accidents. "There will be no compromise whatsoever on the safety standards of heli services," CM Dhami declared, emphasising the state's paramount duty to ensure pilgrim safety. He has instructed a comprehensive audit and continuous review of past helicopter mishaps to prevent any recurrence. Directives include strict adherence to regular helicopter fitness checks, the formulation of robust and effective Standard Operating Procedures for ticket bookings, and stringent compliance with engine safety standards for helicopters operating in high-altitude Himalayan regions. Dhami delivered these directives during a high-level review meeting held at his official residence on Wednesday. The gathering brought together all heli-service providers and operators, alongside representatives from UCAADA (Uttarakhand Civil Aviation Development Authority), AAIB (Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau), and DGCA (Directorate General of Civil Aviation). During the session, CM Dhami announced that UCAADA would be tasked with formulating a 10-year action plan for heli services in the state.
Time of India
2 days ago
- Time of India
Dhami calls meeting, stresses on strict aherence to safety
Dehradun: Chief minister Pushkar Singh Dhami on Wednesday issued strict directives to enhance safety standards for helicopter services operating in Uttarakhand. He ordered a comprehensive audit of past helicopter accidents and made the installation of weather cameras in all Char Dham valleys mandatory. Emphasising that there should be "no compromise with safety", the CM instructed the Uttarakhand Civil Aviation Development Authority (UCADA) to formulate a robust policy mandating the use of only double-engine helicopters in future operations. UCADA has also been tasked with preparing a 10-year strategic plan for heli services in the state. Chairing a high-level review meeting at his residence, Dhami engaged with stakeholders including heli service providers, UCADA officials, the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB), and the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA). He stressed that passenger safety must always take precedence over the number of passengers served. To prevent the recurrence of accidents, Dhami directed continuous audits of all past helicopter incidents. He also called for regular fitness checks of helicopters, a robust and effective SOP for ticket booking and strict compliance with engine safety standards, especially in high-altitude Himalayan regions. Given the frequent weather-related disruptions in heli services, the CM reiterated the importance of installing real-time weather cameras in all Char Dham valleys, including Kedarnath. Dhami also instructed UCADA to study the Vaishno Devi heli service model and recommended deploying only highly experienced pilots for operations in the state. Heli operators were urged to maintain a sensitive and tourist-friendly approach, ensuring a positive travel experience for pilgrims and visitors. Additionally, he directed both heli operators and the administration to conduct cleanliness drives along the Char Dham routes. Highlighting the rising demand for helicopter travel, Dhami noted that over 66,000 passengers have used heli shuttle services this year alone, and multiple helipads are currently under construction. He emphasised that, given Uttarakhand's challenging terrain and status as a key religious tourism hub, heli services are poised to become an essential component of the state's infrastructure. Dehradun: Chief minister Pushkar Singh Dhami on Wednesday issued strict directives to enhance safety standards for helicopter services operating in Uttarakhand. He ordered a comprehensive audit of past helicopter accidents and made the installation of weather cameras in all Char Dham valleys mandatory. Emphasising that there should be "no compromise with safety", the CM instructed the Uttarakhand Civil Aviation Development Authority (UCADA) to formulate a robust policy mandating the use of only double-engine helicopters in future operations. UCADA has also been tasked with preparing a 10-year strategic plan for heli services in the state. Chairing a high-level review meeting at his residence, Dhami engaged with stakeholders including heli service providers, UCADA officials, the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB), and the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA). He stressed that passenger safety must always take precedence over the number of passengers served. To prevent the recurrence of accidents, Dhami directed continuous audits of all past helicopter incidents. He also called for regular fitness checks of helicopters, a robust and effective SOP for ticket booking and strict compliance with engine safety standards, especially in high-altitude Himalayan regions. Given the frequent weather-related disruptions in heli services, the CM reiterated the importance of installing real-time weather cameras in all Char Dham valleys, including Kedarnath. Dhami also instructed UCADA to study the Vaishno Devi heli service model and recommended deploying only highly experienced pilots for operations in the state. Heli operators were urged to maintain a sensitive and tourist-friendly approach, ensuring a positive travel experience for pilgrims and visitors. Additionally, he directed both heli operators and the administration to conduct cleanliness drives along the Char Dham routes. Highlighting the rising demand for helicopter travel, Dhami noted that over 66,000 passengers have used heli shuttle services this year alone, and multiple helipads are currently under construction. He emphasised that, given Uttarakhand's challenging terrain and status as a key religious tourism hub, heli services are poised to become an essential component of the state's infrastructure.
Time of India
2 days ago
- Time of India
‘No compromise with safety': Dhami mandates twin-engine choppers, weather cameras
Dehradun: Chief minister Pushkar Singh Dhami on Wednesday issued strict directives to enhance safety standards for helicopter services operating in Uttarakhand. He ordered a comprehensive audit of past helicopter accidents and made the installation of weather cameras in all Char Dham valleys mandatory. Emphasising that there should be "no compromise with safety", the CM instructed the Uttarakhand Civil Aviation Development Authority (UCADA) to formulate a robust policy mandating the use of only double-engine helicopters in future operations. UCADA has also been tasked with preparing a 10-year strategic plan for heli services in the state. Chairing a high-level review meeting at his residence, Dhami engaged with stakeholders including heli service providers, UCADA officials, the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB), and the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA). He stressed that passenger safety must always take precedence over the number of passengers served. To prevent the recurrence of accidents, Dhami directed continuous audits of all past helicopter incidents. He also called for regular fitness checks of helicopters, a robust and effective SOP for ticket booking and strict compliance with engine safety standards, especially in high-altitude Himalayan regions. Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like No Distractions. Just Solitaire Play Solitaire Download Undo Given the frequent weather-related disruptions in heli services, the CM reiterated the importance of installing real-time weather cameras in all Char Dham valleys, including Kedarnath. Dhami also instructed UCADA to study the Vaishno Devi heli service model and recommended deploying only highly experienced pilots for operations in the state. Heli operators were urged to maintain a sensitive and tourist-friendly approach, ensuring a positive travel experience for pilgrims and visitors. Additionally, he directed both heli operators and the administration to conduct cleanliness drives along the Char Dham routes. Highlighting the rising demand for helicopter travel, Dhami noted that over 66,000 passengers have used heli shuttle services this year alone, and multiple helipads are currently under construction. He emphasised that, given Uttarakhand's challenging terrain and status as a key religious tourism hub, heli services are poised to become an essential component of the state's infrastructure.
News18
3 days ago
- News18
Heading To Kedarnath? Check These New DGCA Rules For Helicopter Flights
Last Updated: Helicopter trips to Kedarnath cut by 60 daily for safety. DGCA bans operator and warns against fake booking sites Helicopter services have long provided substantial convenience to pilgrims undertaking the Chardham Yatra. However, following a series of both minor and major incidents, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has adopted a more stringent approach. In response to these safety concerns, helicopter flights on the Kedarnath route have been scaled back, with a daily reduction of 60 trips. Ordinarily, between 200 and 250 trips are conducted each day, but the DGCA has now decided to place passenger safety above operational volume. Helicopters will now operate only twice per hour from Guptkashi. Improved Surveillance Measures For Aviation Safety Enhanced surveillance measures have been introduced. Live camera feeds are being used to closely monitor all helicopter movements. The Uttarakhand Civil Aviation Development Authority (UCADA) has deployed live camera systems to supervise every helicopter journey in the Kedarnath region. Any breach of standard operating procedures is met with immediate corrective action. In a significant move, the DGCA has also imposed a complete ban on all operations by Kestrel Aviation Private Limited in Uttarakhand, effective immediately. Another service provider was similarly suspended in May 2025 for failing to comply with safety regulations. These actions underscore the DGCA's firm stance on aviation safety and its zero-tolerance policy regarding lapses. Bookings should only be made via the official IRCTC portal. Travellers are cautioned against using any other websites for this purpose. First Published: June 10, 2025, 15:48 IST
Time of India
6 days ago
- Time of India
Chopper makes emergency landing on road near Kedarnath; pilot injured, 5 passengers safe
Dehradun: A private helicopter carrying five pilgrims to Kedarnath crash-landed on a highway near Badasu in Rudraprayag district on Saturday afternoon after a suspected technical snag jammed its flight control and the rotor broke during the landing and hit a nearby car. The pilot sustained minor injuries during the landing and was taken to hospital. The Kestrel Aviation AW119 chopper, piloted by Captain RPS Sodhi, took off from Sirsi helipad at 12:52pm — one of the key take-off points for Kedarnath pilgrims along with Phata and Guptkashi. Soon after departure, the pilot noticed a malfunction with the collective control and executed a controlled force landing on the road near the helipad. Officials said that within minutes of take-off, the chopper developed a technical snag, forcing the pilot to make an emergency landing on Kedarnath National Highway. During the landing, the tail of the chopper broke off and struck a parked car, damaging it. The helicopter's landing on the main road caused a traffic pile-up in the area. An official communication from the state govt said, "The CEO of the Uttarakhand Civil Aviation Development Authority (Ucada) informed us that the helicopter made a precautionary landing on the road, instead of the helipad, while taking off with passengers from Sirsi. There are no reports of any casualties. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has been notified and the rest of the shuttle operations are proceeding as scheduled. " Upon receiving information about the incident, the administration dispatched a team to remove the helicopter from the road and resume traffic on the route. Rahul Chaubey, district tourism development officer and nodal officer for the heli service, said, "The pilot detected the issue in time and made an emergency landing on a nearby empty road. All five passengers on board the helicopter are safe, while the pilot suffered minor injuries. " He confirmed that the incident has not affected the heli shuttle service. Uttarakhand tourism minister Satpal Maharaj said, "The way the pilot detected the fault in time and managed an emergency landing on a nearby empty road suggests that if the pilot hadn't landed the helicopter on the road, the accident could have been severe. However, the govt will definitely investigate the reason behind this emergency landing." This was the fourth helicopter-related mishap on the Char Dham route in the past 30 days. On May 8, a chopper crash near Gangotri left six dead. On May 12, a helicopter blade hit a vehicle at Badrinath helipad, and on May 15, an air ambulance's tail hit the ground while landing near Kedarnath. All onboard were safe. General secretary of Uttarakhand Char Dham Teerth Purohit Mahapanchayat, Brijesh Sati, told TOI, "At present, nine heli firms are operating on the Kedarnath route. In last 40 days, there have been six major and minor incidents involving helicopters. The heli service is being used like taxi service in cities." He demanded that, "a detailed probe should be conducted to find out whether the norms are being followed. The focus is on dropping and picking pilgrims in quick time and it has been seen that helicopters operate in unfavourable condition. There should be a thorough probe." Earlier, a chopper crash near Gangotri on May 8 had led to five pilgrims and the pilot dying. On May 12, a rotating chopper blade hit a vehicle at the Badrinath helipad in what could have been a major accident. On May 17, a chopper functioning as an air ambulance of AIIMS Rishikesh crash-landed in Kedarnath. No casualties were reported and all three persons – the pilot, a doctor and nursing staff – were safe in the mishap reported close to the Kedarnath helipad. The spate of accidents has raised safety concerns, prompting DGCA — India's aviation regulatory body under the ministry of civil aviation, responsible for regulating civil aviation safety, issuing licences, certifying aircraft and operators, and investigating aviation incidents and accidents — to begin formal investigations into these events and improve safety protocols.
