Uttarakhand CM Pushkar Singh Dhami Announces 25% Discount on Helicopter Tickets for Kedarnath Pilgrims

Rudraprayag (Uttrakhand) [India], August 6: The Uttarakhand government has announced a 25% discount on helicopter tickets for pilgrims traveling to Shri Kedarnath Dham. This decision was made after Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami reviewed the relief and rescue operations and reconstruction work in the rain-affected areas of Rudraprayag district.

Dhami directed the authorities to start the Kedarnath Dham Yatra by foot soon and stated that the helicopter service for the Dham should start on Wednesday. The state government will bear the cost of the 25% discount on the fare for devotees using the helicopter service.

Earlier, Dhami conducted an aerial survey of the affected areas and reviewed all departments related to the Chardham Yatra route. He enquired about the damage caused by heavy rains and the efforts made by all departments to start the journey. He directed officials to take necessary steps to normalize life in the affected areas, including restoring damaged routes, drinking water, and power lines as soon as possible.

During his interaction with local people at Rampur Garhwal Mandal Vikas Nigam (GMVN), Dhami listened to their problems and assured solutions. He thanked the local people for their cooperation in the rescue operation and the central government for providing assistance, including Chinook and MI helicopters.

Speaking to the media, Dhami mentioned that landslides caused by heavy rains have cut off footpaths and roads at 29 places, and a large number of government properties, including drinking water and electricity lines, have been damaged. Telecommunication services have also been disrupted in some places. He praised the efforts of the district administration, disaster management, and other organizations in rescuing about 12,000 devotees and local people in record time. The rescue operation is almost complete.