Centre approves subsidised chopper service for JK, Himachal

The Centre today approved operation of subsidised helicopter services in 10 sectors each in Jammu and Kashmir and Himachal Pradesh to connect inaccessible destinations.
Srinagar-Kargil, Srinagar-Drass, Kargil-Padum-Leh, Leh-Lingshed and Srinagar-Leh are the five probable sectors where the helicopter services will be functional in Jammu and Kashmir.
"..The competent authority has accorded its approval for operation of helicopter services in the state of Jammu and Kashmir on a pilot basis in 10 sectors..," the Home Ministry said in a letter to Chief Secretary of Jammu and Kashmir.
The Home Ministry said that the most inaccessible destination points should be chosen and the scheme can be extended to other additional sectors at a later date depending upon the assessment of the justifiable needs of the local population.

However, the five sectors mentioned may be re-aligned based on the fresh assessment made by the Jammu and Kashmir government in consultation with the Home Ministry.
The remaining five most inaccessible sectors will be identified by the state government.

The central government will subsidise only the cost towards actual number of entitled passengers utilising the helicopter services and no subsidy will be provided for vacant seats.
The subsidy portion of the Home Ministry will be limited to 75 per cent of the operational cost after deducting flat 20 per cent on account of passenger recovery or actual recovery, whichever is more.

In case of Himachal Pradesh, the the state government will identify the most inaccessible destination points and scheme can be extended to other additional sectors at a later date depending upon the assessment of the justifiable needs of the local population.