DGCA Clears Chardham Yatra Helicopter Services with Stringent Safety Protocols

New Delhi, September 19: The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has granted approval for the recommencement of helicopter operations for the Chardham Yatra 2025 from September 15–16, following the annual monsoon break.

The decision comes after intensive inspections and safety audits conducted between September 13 and 16 under the directive of Civil Aviation Minister Rammohan Naidu. The minister, along with Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, held multiple review meetings in Dehradun and Delhi to ensure seamless coordination between DGCA, the Airports Authority of India (AAI), and the Uttarakhand Civil Aviation Development Authority (UCADA).

In response to a spate of helicopter accidents earlier this year in the Chardham sector, the regulator has introduced robust safety protocols. These include mandatory route checks, recurrent training for pilots, strict enforcement of weight and balance limits, and deployment of advanced navigation and weather monitoring systems. Only previously qualified pilots will be allowed to operate on the route.

A total of six helicopter operators will run shuttle services to Kedarnath from Guptkashi, Phata, and Sitapur, while seven operators or consortiums will undertake charter flights from Dehradun’s Sahastradhara base to Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath.

Passenger safety has also been prioritised, with mandatory briefings, additional ground staff at helipads, and strict embarkation protocols. The DGCA will maintain constant oversight through on-ground monitoring teams, surprise checks, and real-time weather advisory systems.

“Safety of passengers and crew remains paramount,” the DGCA said, noting that the enhanced measures aim to provide pilgrims with a safe, efficient, and reliable journey to the Himalayan shrines.