Srinagar, Jan 22 (KINS): The Jammu and Kashmir Government has started a subsidized helicopter service in the Kashmir Division to improve air connectivity to remote and border areas.
As per an official order issued by the Office of the Civil Aviation Commissioner, J&K, the tender for this service has been finalized and given to M/s Global Vectra Helicorp Ltd under a wet lease arrangement. The approved cost of the service is ₹2.85 lakh per flying hour for six seats, including all taxes.
The helicopter service began operations on January 18, 2026, and will operate on key routes in the Kashmir region.
Approved Routes: Srinagar – Bandipora – Kanzalwan – Dawar – Niru – Gurez – Baduab – Badugam – Bandipora
Srinagar – Kupwara – Machil – Tangdhar – Keran – Kupwara
The Civil Aviation Commissioner as per news agency Kashmir Indepth News Service (KINS) has instructed local civil authorities to help passengers book tickets at subsidized rates from January 18, 2026.
Subsidized Ticket Fares: Srinagar to Gurez: ₹3,000 Srinagar to Bandipora: ₹2,000 Bandipora to Gurez: ₹2,000 Bandipora to Kanzalwan: ₹2,000 Bandipora to Badugam: ₹3,000 Srinagar to Tangdhar: ₹3,000
Kupwara to Tangdhar: ₹2,000 Machil to Kupwara: ₹2,000 Gurez to Baduab: ₹2,000 Bandipora to Baduab: ₹3,000 Bandipora to Niru: ₹3,000
This initiative aims to provide affordable, safe, and reliable air travel to people living in far-flung and difficult areas. It will also help government officials and emergency services, especially during bad weather and medical emergencies, across the Kashmir Division.(KINS)
