NewKerala.com

Key Points

Helicopter services to Kedarnath have restarted but remain weather-dependent after Sunday’s fatal crash in Rudraprayag. The DGCA has ordered reduced flight frequency as a precaution. The AAIB is investigating the crash that killed seven, including the pilot. Uttarakhand officials urge pilgrims to monitor weather updates before travel.

Key Points: Kedarnath Helicopter Services Resume After Rudraprayag Crash

  • Kedarnath helicopter services resume post-crash
  • Weather delays immediate flights
  • DGCA reduces Char Dham chopper frequency
  • AAIB probes Rudraprayag crash
2 min read

Helicopter services in Kedarnath resumes after Rudraprayag accident

Uttarakhand restarts Kedarnath chopper operations with weather warnings after fatal Rudraprayag crash that killed seven, including the pilot.

"Heli operations have resumed today. As the weather is not favourable currently, flying has not resumed yet. – Sonika, CEO, Uttarakhand Civil Aviation"

Dehradun, June 17

Helicopter operations at the Kedarnath Dham in Uttarakhand have resumed, and the tourists have been told to plan their journey according to the weather, according to CEO of Uttarakhand Civil Aviation Development Authority.

The official, Sonika said that flying in the region has not resumed but will resume once the weather improves.

"Heli operations have resumed today. As the weather is not favourable currently, flying has not resumed yet. But as soon as we get clear weather, flying will resume", Sonika told ANI.

On Sunday monring, seven people, including the pilot of a helicopter died after it crashed near the forested area of Gaurikund in Uttarakhand's Rudraprayag district, the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) said.

The Aryan Aviation Helicopter was flying to Guptkashi from the Kedarnath Dham when it crashed at 5:30 am on Sunday.

The deceased were identified as Captain Rajbir Singh Chauhan (39), resident of Jaipur, Vikram Rawat (47) a Badrinath Kedarnath Temple Committee representative and resident of Rasi, Vinod Devi (66), resident of Uttar Pradesh, Trishti Singh (19), resident of Uttar Pradesh, Rajkumar Suresh Jaiswal (41), resident of Gujarat, Shraddha Rajkumar Jaiswal and Kashi (2), resident of Maharashtra.

Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami held a virtual high-level meeting with senior officials from the CM residence after the crash. The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) is investigating the crash, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) stated.

The DGCA further said that, in light of the crash, the frequency of helicopter operations at Char Dham would be reduced as a precautionary measure. DGCA is also carrying out enhanced surveillance and operational reviews.

Chief Executive Officer of Uttarakhand Civil Aviation Department (UCADA), Sonika had stated that helicopter shuttle services in the area had been closed, given the ongoing relief operations and weather conditions in the valley.

- ANI

Share this article:

Reader Comments

R
Rahul K.
Very tragic incident. My heart goes out to all the families who lost loved ones. The government must conduct a thorough investigation - weather alone can't be blamed when so many lives are at stake. Safety protocols need to be stricter for these hilly routes. 🕊️
P
Priya M.
We visited Kedarnath last year by helicopter. The pilots do amazing work in difficult conditions, but companies often overload helicopters to maximize profits. DGCA should enforce stricter passenger limits and maintenance checks, especially during monsoon season.
A
Amit S.
The 2-year-old child who died breaks my heart 💔. Maybe we need to reconsider whether infants should be allowed on these risky flights at all. The Char Dham yatra is important, but safety must come first. Better to trek than risk lives in bad weather.
S
Sunita R.
While accidents happen, the quick resumption of services shows how dependent Uttarakhand tourism is on helicopters. Instead, the government should improve road connectivity and build better emergency medical facilities along pilgrimage routes.
V
Vikram J.
As someone from Uttarakhand, I've seen too many helicopter accidents during yatra season. Operators cut corners because demand is high. Maybe we need a complete overhaul of the system - better pilot training, modern aircraft, and proper weather monitoring stations in the hills.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

Leave a Comment

Minimum 50 characters 0/50