New Delhi: The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), who wants to promote internal air connectivity between various Jammu and Kashmir districts, has agreed to the continuation of subsidized helicopter services along with five routes in the union area for five years from April 1, 2021 to March 3126.
In communication sent to J & K Chief Secretary on November 18, the home ministry said the competent authority had provided a nod to the continuation of helicopter services on five approved routes, namely Kishtwar-Sounder-Navapachi-ishhan-Karytwar, Jammu-Rajouri-Poonch Jammu, Jammu-Doda-Kahtwar-Jamu, Bandipora-Kanzalwan-Dawar-Niri-Bandipora, and Kupwara-Machil-Tangdhar-Kupwara.
The Interior Ministry must provide subsidies equal to 75% of the total operating costs after deducting the recovery of passengers or flat 20% of the actual operating costs, which ones are more.
The remaining costs will be borne by the Government of J & K.
“The idea is to promote internal air connectivity between the distant J & K regions, as desired by the Ministry of Home and J & K government.
Subsidized helicopter services can be used for medical evacuation and emergencies Others, “said J & K government officer to Tii.
MHA in his letter to J & K Chief Secretary said it could add or reduce the number of helicopters or flight hours and also started helicopter services on additional routes in approved financial expenditures, which placed an annual center shares from RS 6.24 Crore from 2021-22 to 2023-24, Rs 7.5 Crore at 2024-25 and RS 8.13 Crore on 2025-26.
Central stocks will be paid directly by MHA to the helicopter operator.
The tender process to involve helicopter operators can be done directly by MHA or by J & K government with a tender document examined by MHA.
There will be no limit to the private sector to operate helicopter services on existing routes without subsidies.
VIP, Central Government Officer or J & K or tourists will not be eligible for subsidized tariffs and must pay full rates that depend on the availability of seats.