To curb black marketing and fraud during the Kedarnath helicopter service for Char Dham Yatra, the Uttarakhand government has intensified vigilance measures. Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami has directed officials to strictly monitor the online booking process and prevent overcharging and ticket fraud, which have been persistent issues in previous years despite IRCTC managing the ticketing.
The demand for Kedarnath helicopter tickets surges every year. Though IRCTC offers online booking, there have been repeated complaints of black marketing and inflated pricing. Last year, many pilgrims were forced to buy tickets at higher rates due to these malpractices.
Chief Minister’s Directives:
- The online booking process will be made fully transparent.
- Vigilance teams will monitor ticketing activities closely to identify and prevent fraud.
- Strict legal action will be taken against those involved in black marketing.
Helicopter services to Kedarnath will operate from Guptkashi, Phata, and Sirsi helipads. The Uttarakhand Civil Aviation Development Authority (UCADA) has completed all preparations for the service.
Helicopter Service Providers for Kedarnath 2025:
- Pawan Hans
- Himalayan Heli
- Trans Bharat
- Global Vectra
- Thumby Aviation
- Kestrel Aviation
- Aero Aircraft
In addition, all operators will strictly follow the Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) to ensure a safe and smooth journey for pilgrims.
