Strict measures and monitoring will be in place for the safe operation of Kedarnath helicopter services during the upcoming Char Dham Yatra. Helicopter flights will not be permitted before sunrise or after sunset. This year too, the rules will be strictly followed as per the DGCA guidelines. Last year, two major helicopter accidents occurred in the Kedarnath valley and Uttarkashi during the Char Dham Yatra, resulting in the deaths of 13 people.
Operating helicopters in mountainous terrain with challenging geographical conditions and unpredictable weather is extremely difficult. During the Char Dham Yatra, there is a high demand for helicopter services, especially for Kedarnath. Last year, on June 15, 2025, a helicopter returning from Kedarnath to Guptkashi crashed at Gauri Mai Kharka.
The accident claimed the lives of seven people, including the pilot. On May 8, 2025, six people died in a helicopter crash in Gangnani, Uttarkashi. Additionally, on May 17, 2025, a helicopter ambulance crashed near Kedarnath Dham. In light of these accidents, the state government has taken strict measures and implemented Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for helicopter service operations.
Helicopter service companies will deploy experienced pilots.
The DGCA has mandated a 30 percent reduction in helicopter flights in the Kedarnath valley as part of the SOPs. Furthermore, helicopters will not be allowed to fly before sunrise or after sunset. Helicopter services will not operate in adverse weather conditions. The companies operating the helicopter services will deploy experienced pilots who have experience flying in high-altitude Himalayan regions.
Ashish Chauhan, CEO of the Uttarakhand Civil Aviation Development Authority, stated that SOPs were implemented last year for safe helicopter services. This year too, a tender process will be conducted for helicopter services. Strict adherence to rules and close monitoring will be ensured for the safety of passengers using helicopter services.
