Shri Amarnath Yatra 2017 Helicopter Fare reduced from Baltal & Pahalgam

Jammu (Jammu & Kashmir), April 03, 2017 - Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board finalized the Helicopter Services for Shri Amarnathji Yatra 2017, which is scheduled to commence on 29th June, 2017.

Briefing Governor Jammu & Kashmir who is the Chairman of Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board, the Chief Executive Officers stated that following a transparent bidding process, Board succeeded in securing significant reduction in the fares for Shri Amarnath Yatra 2017, as compared to the previous years.

For the forthcoming Yatra 2017, the one way passenger fare (inclusive of taxes) for Neelgrath-Panjtarni sector has been fixed at Rs. 1,715/- per head and for Pahalgam-Panjtarni sector the fare would be Rs.2,950/- per person.

Till Shri Amarnath Yatra 2016 the one way Heli-fare for the Neelgrath-Panjtarni route was Rs.2,000/- and for the Pahalgam-Panjtarni route it was Rs.4,300/-. It would thus be seen that while the Pahalgam Sector fare is Rs.1,350/- less and there is a reduction of Rs. 285/- in the Neelgrath sector fare, per passenger one way fare.

The Heli- Services have been contracted out to UTair India Pvt. Ltd. and Global Vectra Helicorp Ltd. for the Neelgrath-Panjtarni-Neelgrath sector and Himalayan Heli Services Pvt. Ltd. for the Pahalgam-Panjtarni-Pahalgam sector.

CEO further informed that the On-line Booking of Helicopter Tickets for Shri Amarnath Yatra 2017 by the intending pilgrims shall commence shortly and advised the pilgrims not to be misled by unscrupulous elements who try to book tickets by fraudulent means and to procure the tickets only from the authorized agencies..

CEO further stated that pilgrims who wish to avail Helicopter Services for their pilgrimage are not required to seek any separate Advance Registration through the designated Bank branches. However, all such Yatris shall be required to produce the prescribed Compulsory Health Certificate issued by the authorized Doctor(s)/ Institutes which have been notified by their State Government, at the time of boarding the helicopter at the Neelgrath or Pahalgam helipads, without which, the boarding passes will not be issued to them.

The Shrine Board has also procured Insurance cover of Rs.1.00 lakh for each registered pilgrim and each registered Service Provider and, besides, a cover of Rs.30,000 for every registered Pony, for any accidental deaths that may occur during the Shri Amarnathji Yatra 2017. It may be informed that as per a decision taken by Governor and approved by the Shrine Board, the Board shall bear the entire cost of obtaining the aforesaid group insurance policies.

Shri Amarnath Shrine Board advised the intending pilgrims to come well prepared with adequate woolen clothes as the temperature can fall abruptly in the Yatra area. He also advised the Yatris to prepare for the Yatra by achieving a high level of physical fitness and suggested that deep breathing exercises and Yoga be practiced regularly for improving respiratory efficiency. The Yatris are also advised to thoroughly study, the Dos and Don’ts for the Yatra 2017 which are printed on the reverse of their Yatra Permit. Updated Dos and Don’ts and Health Advisory have also been uploaded on the Shri Amarnath Shrine Board’s website.