Helicopter service from Jammu to Vaishno Devi shrine begins

Direct helicopter service from Jammu to Mata Vaishno Devi temple for quick darshan, with two package options available.

The direct helicopter service from Jammu to the Mata Vaisho Devi temple began on June 25, facilitating pilgrims who wish to perform 'darshan' at the revered shrine within a day due to time constraints, officials said.

This is in addition to the helicopter service which is already available between Katra, the base camp for the pilgrims visiting the famous shrine atop Trikuta hills in Reasi district, and Sanjhi Chhat near the temple with a one-way fare of Rs 2,100 per person.

Pilgrims opting for the service from Jammu can choose between two packages — ₹35,000 per passenger for same day return and ₹60,000 per person for next day return.

Marking the commencement of the new service, the first helicopter carrying pilgrims left Jammu airport at around 11 am and landed on Panchi helipad along the new trek to the shrine, the officials said.

"The service is part of continuous efforts to provide better facilities to the pilgrims visiting the shrine," Anshul Garg, Chief Executive Officer of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board (SMVDSB), told reporters in Katra after the inauguration.

"We have been getting requests from the pilgrims from faraway places within the country and abroad, facing time constraints, for a direct service between Jammu and the shrine," Garg added.

The new helicopter service was started on the directions of the shrine board chairman and Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, according to the officials.