In such challenging geography, remote hill areas are always an arduous geography that was well connected by completing eight heliports within a time frame of two years, while Uttarakhand had plans for enhancing air connectivity through bigger efforts on improving the state’s infrastructure and its easy and seamless air services for those inaccessible regions. UCADA had driven the whole initiative to ensure all those difficult corners of the state are also reached with ease.
Improving Air Services in Uttarakhand
Over the past two years, the UCADA has completed the construction of heliports in eight key locations across Uttarakhand. These heliports are now fully operational, providing regular passenger services to and from these regions. The completed heliports include:
Sahastradhara
Srinagar
Gauchar
Chinyalisaur
Haldwani
Almora
Pithoragarh
Munsiyari
All these facilities are equipped with infrastructure of high class to ensure hassle-free air operations. They are not merely providing the facility of helipads but have hangars, lounges, canteens, and toilets, making it a delight for passengers as well as the air crew. Such completion of these heliports has been a significant milestone towards meeting the vision of Uttarakhand in making the access easier for the residents and the visitors.
Underway and Future Heliport Construction
The UCADA expanded the network further based on the success of these eight completed heliports. Currently, six more heliports are under construction in the high-demand areas of the state. The new heliports are being developed at the following locations:
Trijuginarayan
Joshimath
Mussoorie
Ramnagar
Bageshwar
Haridwar
The completion target date for one year would bring even more connectivity to the state, making it that much easier for travelers to go about exploring the magnificent landscapes of Uttarakhand. Heliports are being increased, bringing the state into step with its overall infrastructural agenda on transportation to the more distant hill stations and other destinations.
Helipad and Emergency Services
Apart from heliports, over 100 helipads have been built across the state. These helipads can be used for ordinary passenger operations as well as for emergency operations. It enables immediate response in the event of an emergency, like medical evacuations, search and rescue operations, or disaster relief. Thus, this network of more than 100 heliports and helipads ensures connectivity even in the most challenging terrains.
Development of the Principal Airports
Apart from these heliports, there is development on other main airports too in the state of Uttarakhand. Upgrades in both capacity and facilities of major upgradation are on their way to the Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun and the Pantnagar Airport in Udham Singh Nagar. The expansion to make the Pantnagar Airport into a green field will increase service quality and provide all other amenities in its own premises.
Jolly Grant Airport is being upgraded to international standards, which will enable it to handle more flights and passengers.
Both the airports will improve connectivity to and from Uttarakhand. This will further boost tourism and business opportunities in the region.
Promoting Affordable Air Travel
This will also make air travel inexpensive for the masses as conceptualized by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. With projects such as the Udan Yojana and Chief Minister’s Udan Khatola Yojana, travelling by air is now turning to be very handy for the people living at the distant locations of the state. Travel time has thus been drastically cut for the famous centre of pilgrim places, the hill stations and tourist resorts.
These air services will help increase the tourism and pilgrimage activities in the state. It will allow people to navigate the rich heritage of culture, beauty, and religious places within Uttarakhand.
Conclusion
Uttarakhand is moving very fast in terms of developing air connectivity to its inaccessible regions. Already, eight heliports have been completed, and six are under development. Work to upgrade key airports is also being done. This is a landmark for accessibility in the Himalayan region. It promises to make local transportation easier and also to significantly increase tourism as well as economic growth in the state of Uttarakhand. As these plans will continue to take shape within the state, people across the state will be moving towards a more connected, accessible Uttarakhand.
Refer :
Economic Times, Link to article
Also read : Uttarakhand CM Approves Rs 20 Crore for Key Development Projects in 2024-25