Overview

• The government has commissioned a world-class safety study to improve helicopter operations in Himalayan terrain following early-2025 Chardham mishaps
• Installation of additional air traffic control systems has begun in Uttarakhand and other mountain states to enhance flight monitoring in difficult weather and geography
• Under the UDAN Regional Connectivity Scheme, new airports are planned across Himalayan regions and 18 Uttarakhand heliports are being developed, with services already active at 12 sites
• Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami urged a dedicated mountain aviation policy covering financial support, specialized ATC networks, accurate weather forecasting and pilot training
• Chardham helicopter operations remain suspended until these infrastructure upgrades and policy measures are finalized ahead of a planned September restart