A new selection process for aviation companies will be conducted for the Kedarnath helicopter service during the upcoming Char Dham Yatra. The Uttarakhand Civil Aviation Development Authority (UCADA) will soon initiate the tendering process for this. The contracts with the companies that have been operating the helicopter service for the past three years have expired.
Considering the time required for the tendering process each year for the Kedarnath helicopter service, UCADA had entered into a three-year contract with the aviation companies, which concluded in 2025. Until last year, helicopter services were operated from Guptkashi, Phata, and Sirsi helipads by Pawan Hans, Aryan, Thambi, Trans Bharat, Global Vectra, Kestrel, and Aero Aircraft. The upcoming Char Dham Yatra 2026 will begin in April and May. Before this, UCADA has begun making all the necessary preparations for selecting companies for the Kedarnath helicopter service.
UCADA Chief Executive Officer Ashish Chauhan stated that the tendering process for the Kedarnath helicopter service will be initiated soon. Compliance with safety standards will be ensured during the tendering process. All preparations for the helicopter services will be completed on time before the start of the upcoming Char Dham Yatra.