Sajid Raina
Srinagar, Jan 21: The Jammu and Kashmir administration Wednesday restored subsidized helicopter services to Gurez valley and other remote border areas of north Kashmir—re-establishing a crucial winter lifeline for snowbound communities.
In view of disrupted road connectivity during winters, the services operated by M/s Global Vectra Helicorp Limited aim to ensure smooth travel for residents, students and patients.
According to the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), the subsidized fares range from Rs 2,000 to Rs 3,000 per passenger depending on the route.
Routes include Srinagar–Gurez (Rs 3,000), Bandipora–Gurez (Rs 2,000), Bandipora–Kanzalwan (Rs 2,000), Bandipora–Badugam (Rs 3,000) and Kupwara–Tangdar with Rs 3,000 per passenger.
Officials said boarding priority will be given to the patients, pregnant women, and students based on proper documents.
To ensure orderly operations, the Office of the Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM), Gurez, has appointed liaison officers at each helipad. ASI Mohammad Shafi will oversee Baduaab and Gujran, while Feroz Ahmad Lone will handle Kanzalwan/Izmarg, and Naveed Anjum and Reyaz Ahmad Lone will manage Badugam and Neeru respectively.
Dawar and PTL helipads will be supervised by Bashir Ahmad Lone and Mohd Yaseen, with assistance from NYCs Shanawaz Ahmad Mapnoo and Lateef Ahmad Sheikh at Dawar.
The SDM Gurez, Mukhtar Ahmad, said liaison officers will coordinate passenger manifesting, verify documents, and remain in constant touch with the SDM office. “No patient referrals will be entertained unless properly endorsed.”
“Technical glitches or weather-related cancellations will be reported immediately,” the circular said, adding that bookings and inquiries can be made through the SDM Gurez office or designated officers in Kupwara and Bandipora.
It clarified that subsidized fares are exclusively for the local residents and will not be extended to central/UT officers on tour, tax payers, tourists, or VIPs.
The move comes as the Gurez valley and adjoining border areas remain cut off due to snow—(KNO)
