Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Helicopter E-Ticket rates revised from 1 April 2014

Katra (Jammu) - J&K, February 28, 2014 - Dr. M. K. Bhandari, Chief Executive Officer, Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board (SMVDSB) has announced that after concluding an elaborate exercise for evaluating bids, involving an expert from Directorate General of Civil Aviation, two Aviation Companies viz. Global Vectra Helicorps Limited and Himalayan Heli Services Private Limited have been awarded contracts for carrying out Helicopter Operations between Katra and Sanjichhat w.e.f. 1st April, 2014. Presently, the Helicopter operations are being carried out by Global Vectra Helicorps Ltd. and Pawan Hans Ltd., who were awarded three year contracts through a similar open tendering process in the year 2011. The present contracts are coming to close on 31st March, 2014.

CEO stated that the Heli Operations shall be conducted in terms of the contract and as per the approved norms of DGCA, ensuring against inconvenience to pilgrims travelling by this mode. The two Aviation Companies shall keep safety and security of the passengers at the focus of their operations.

Dr. Bhandari further informed that the Helicopter tickets rates have been finalized on the basis of the lowest bid received during the Tender and that the new tariff shall become operative from 1st April, 2014. One way Katra-Sanjichhat ticket shall cost Rs.1,039/- per passenger and the return ticket from Katra to Sanjichhat and back would cost Rs.2,078/-.

The present tariff is Rs.800/- for one side travel and Rs.1,600/- for two way travel. While Global Vectra is already operating on this Sector, Himalayan Heli Services Ltd. will resume its operations on Katra-Sanjichhat Sector from 1st April, 2014.

It was informed that for the last several years both Global Vectra and Himalayan Heli Services have also been operating for the Shri Amarnathji Yatra.