Deccan Aviation operating heli-services to Amarnath shrine

27 June 2007

The pioneering aviation company has said that helicopter services for this year's Yatra have already begun, and that it has already carried 961 passengers on the Baltal - Amarnath - Baltal sector, on 21- 24 June 2007.

Situated in a narrow gorge at the far end of Lidder valley, Amarnath stands at 3888 meters and is located 141 kms from Srinagar, the State's capital. The trekking route to Amarnath can be rather risky for some pilgrims, as it involves steep mountain routes, snow ridges and fast flowing streams. In such conditions, helicopter services can become an essential mode of transport for some pilgrims.

Deccan Aviation helicopter service to the holy cave is available from Srinagar and Baltal, which is the launching pad for the final leg of the pilgrimage. The flying time from Srinagar to Baltal is around 45 minutes, and from Baltal to the holy cave, around 8 - 10 minutes.

Capt GR Gopinath, executive chairman, Deccan Aviation said, "We Indians are spiritual and religious people. Pilgrimages like the Amarnath Yatra are sacred and important, once in a lifetime, experiences for the religious minded."

"The trek takes anything between 6 - 8 days as against a few hours by chopper which would prove to be a boon to travelers short on time and to people who are unable to undertake the trek. We also have regular charter services from Katra to Vaishnodevi," he added.

Deccan Aviation has deployed 3 modern Bell 407 helicopters for the services. While two will be stationed at Baltal, the third will be deployed at Srinagar. The Bell 407 can carry 4 - 5 passengers. Flights start at 6.30 am and continue through the day, subject to weather conditions.