Ladakh Launches Expanded B-3 Helicopter Network to Link Remote Areas

Overview

• Lt Governor Kavinder Gupta inaugurated the revised service in Leh, with officials presenting the network as available for routine travel, medical evacuations and supply runs.
• New subsidised routes include Leh–Kargil, Leh–Padum, Leh–Lingshad, Leh–Dibling, Leh–Nyerak, Leh–Diskit and Leh–Turtuk.
• Authorities said the service will function as a winter lifeline by enabling timely patient transfers and delivery of essential goods when road links shut due to snowfall.
• Chief Secretary Pawan Kotwal said residents can book flights through an online system, addressing persistent demand from Zanskar and Singge-Lalok.
• Civil aviation officials and Pawan Hans were credited with operationalising the rollout, which leaders said is intended to bolster tourism, employment and integration with district hubs.