CM Dhami launches new heli services under 'Uttarakhand Air Connectivity Scheme'

Dehradun (Uttarakhand) [India], November 7 (ANI): Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami on Thursday virtually launched helicopter services from Sahastradhara (Dehradun) to Joshiyara (Uttarkashi), Sahastradhara (Dehradun) to Gauchar (Chamoli), and an air service from Delhi to Pithoragarh under the Uttarakhand Air Connectivity Scheme, from his official residence.
Through an official release, he stated that these air services would be a milestone in the state's development, with the government constructing heliports at 18 locations under the Udan scheme.
Chief Minister Dhami expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu for their support in launching these services.
The Chief Minister highlighted that these three projects would be crucial for the state. The commencement of these services would boost tourism and economic development and provide residents of the border area, Pithoragarh, with a new and efficient option for reaching the nation's capital. Additionally, these air services would accelerate emergency and disaster management efforts.
He further stated that the launch of helicopter services from Dehradun Sahastradhara to Joshiyara and Gauchar under the Uttarakhand Air Connectivity Scheme marks a historic achievement for the state. The journey from Dehradun to Joshiyara can now be completed in just 40 minutes, and to Gauchar in 50 minutes. This initiative is set to be a significant milestone in the development of the mountainous regions.
Chief Minister Dhami noted that Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched the visionary Udaan scheme a few years ago, with the aim of enabling common citizens to travel by air.
"This scheme has greatly contributed to strengthening air connectivity in Uttarakhand. Under the Udaan scheme, 18 heliports are currently being developed in the state, with air services successfully launched at 10 so far. Key areas such as Srinagar, Haldwani, Munsiyari, Pithoragarh, Pantnagar, Champawat, and Almora are now connected through these helicopter services. In the future, efforts will continue to connect other important areas in the state," Dhami stated.
Dhami emphasised that where it once took hours to traverse challenging mountain routes, people can now reach remote hilly areas within an hour.
"The initiation of these air services will not only promote tourism in rural areas but also create new employment opportunities for local businesses, homestays, and the youth. Recognising the importance of air connectivity, the state government is committed to enhancing domestic flights," the Chief Minister said. (ANI)