A new subsidised helicopter service has been sanctioned by the Indian government between Jammu, Poonch and Mendhar. Besides connecting the trio directly, the helicopter will also link Jammu directly with Mendhar. Mohammad Aijaz Asad, Secretary, Jammu and Kashmir Civil Aviation Department, mooted the proposal. Connectivity to remote Mendhar has now become a reality. Thus, an essential lifeline will come to exist between the region and the winter capital of Jammu and Kashmir-Jammu.
Background and Purpose of the New Helicopter Service
This new helicopter route will greatly connect the isolated Mendhar sector, which is often isolated due to difficult terrain and weather conditions. This service is expected to provide a reliable and fast mode of transportation, making travel easier for residents, especially during the harsh winter months. The helicopter service is going to directly connect Jammu, Poonch, and Mendhar, with an option to travel back and forth between Jammu and Mendhar on a round trip.
The Jammu and Kashmir Civil Aviation Department had given a proposal to the Home Ministry detailing the need to enhance transport for these inaccessible locations. The service is useful in terms of providing a solution towards transport difficulties and, at times, it also acts as an evacuation measure in case of medical emergencies, which could be important considering the terrain surrounding this place.
Available Helicopter Services in Jammu and Kashmir
A new route that has also recently been sanctioned is the Jammu-Poonch-Mendhar route. The government is uplifting helicopter connectivity throughout Jammu and Kashmir as part of a larger initiative. Quite a few subsidised helicopter services already operate in the region, connecting up various remote and inaccessible parts. Some of the routes already in operation include:
- Kishtwar-Sounder-Navapachi-Ishan-Kishtwar
- Jammu-Rajouri-Poonch-Jammu
- Jammu-Doda-Kishtwar-Jammu
- Bandipora-Kanzalwan-Dawar-Niri-Bandipora
- Kupwara-Machil-Tangdhar-Keran-Kupwara These routes are part of a larger effort to upgrade the infrastructure and transport in Jammu and Kashmir, responding to the particular geography of the region.
Benefits of the New Helicopter Service
Many significant advantages for the region are expected to be yielded by subsidised helicopter service between Jammu, Poonch and Mendhar.
Ease of Accessibility: Facility would make traveling from Jammu to distant places like Poonch and Mendhar easy. Particularly so, when winter sets in and it snows and rains, it becomes difficult to travel due to landslides in the roads.
Emergency Access: Helicopter service would also be required in case of medical emergencies. Air transport with quick and efficient services will provide easy access to hospitals in Jammu from far-off areas.
Tourism Revival: Mendhar is close to the border and can thus have border tourism. Improved air connectivity would make the region more accessible to tourists, thus benefiting the local economies.
Improved Travel Convenience: This will save the time and improve convenience for the residents and government officials through a quicker alternative to road travel.
Role of Government in Supporting the Service
Minister of Home Affairs has agreed on allowing the operation of subsidised helicopter services on the new route. In an official communication, it is recommended that the Union Territory claims the subsidy within the approved budget. That way, subsidy will serve as a vital component that will make fares affordable to locals while ensuring that the service doesn’t become unaffordable for the user who uses it for commutative purposes and in order to tackle emergency situations.
Conclusion
This is the new subsidized helicopter service connecting Jammu, Poonch, and Mendhar, which is a very big move to enhance transportation and infrastructure in Jammu and Kashmir. It will make traveling easier for the locals, facilitate evacuation during emergencies, and also help to enhance tourism in the area. The approval is a very significant step by the state government towards improving connectivity and making the area more accessible.
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