Centre approves subsidised helicopter services in J-K, Himachal

Subsidized helicopter services have been approved by the government in ten sectors of the states of Jammu and Kashmir and Himachal Pradesh. The emergency and the common passenger services will be provided at subsidized rates along a priority basis, according to the Home Ministry.

Income tax payers, state government officers on tour and VIPs are exempted from these subsidized fares. The access for such people will purely be based on availability of seats. Furthermore, the Centre will subsidize only the cost towards actual number of entitled passengers utilizing the helicopter services and no subsidy will be provided for the vacant seats.

The most critical sectors in the states of Jammu and Kashmir and Himachal Pradesh will be re-identified and finalized by the respective governments. The number of flying hours based on current justifiable needs will be determined in consultation with the Home Ministry.

The difference of time between the road and air travel will be the major factor that will be considered while deciding the air connectivity.

This operation in the state will continue till March, 2017 and the operators will be selected through an open tender process.