“Availability of night flights will not only boost tourism but also ease travel for locals. A large number of travellers coming from abroad or other Indian cities are unable to conveniently reach Dehradun due to time-bound flight availability,” Dhami said.
File Photo: IANS
Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami on Friday met Union Civil Aviation Minister Kinjarapu Ram Mohan Naidu in New Delhi, seeking approval for night-time flight operations at Dehradun’s Jolly Grant Airport and the resumption of suspended helicopter services to Char Dham pilgrimage following the monsoon season.
Highlighting the growing demand for air travel to Uttarakhand, CM Dhami said that enabling night operations at Jolly Grant Airport would benefit tourists and local residents alike, especially international travellers who are often forced to alter their plans due to limited flight schedules.
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“Availability of night flights will not only boost tourism but also ease travel for locals. A large number of travellers coming from abroad or other Indian cities are unable to conveniently reach Dehradun due to time-bound flight availability,” Dhami said.
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Emphasizing the state’s challenging terrain and limited road infrastructure, Dhami reiterated the importance of expanding air services to the remote hill regions of Uttarakhand.
“Over 70% of Uttarakhand is forested, making road connectivity difficult. Air services are crucial not only for tourism but also for disaster management and access to essential services,” the Chief Minister stated.
He urged the Union Minister to develop airstrips at Gauchar (Chamoli) and Chinyalisaur (Uttarkashi) for small aircraft operations, with proposed routes connecting Delhi, Dehradun, and Hindon airports.
Chief Minister Dhami also invited Minister Naidu to personally inspect the two airstrips and expedite the decision-making process to start scheduled flights from these locations.
Dhami asked permission from the Union Minister to restart helicopter services to Kedarnath and Gangotri shrines, which were suspended in July following a series of fatal mishaps killing several passengers..
“Air services are critical for the elderly, differently-abled, and those unable to undertake long road journeys. Talks between the state government and relevant central government departments are in progress in the matter. Several important suggestions were received for safe operation of the helicopter services. Restarting heli services ensuring safety and convenience of pilgrims will make the journey smoother and reduce traffic on the roads,” the chief minister said.
“This would improve more and smooth access to Char Dham Yatra and facilitate the supply of essential goods to the hilly regions” Uttarakhand chief minister said.
He added that various recommendations for safer operations have been received and are being considered as part of the restart plan.
CM Dhami further urged the Civil Aviation Ministry to launch a regular flight service between Delhi and Pithoragarh under the Regional Connectivity Scheme (RCS–UDAN).
He stated that improved air access to strategic border areas like Pithoragarh is essential for both national security and humanitarian response in case of disasters.
“Pithoragarh has significant tourism and strategic importance. Air connectivity will serve both national interests and local development,” he said.
Union Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu assured the Uttarakhand Chief Minister that all proposals would be positively considered and prioritised.
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