Shri Amarnathji Yatra-2017 Online Helicopter Booking from 25^th April, 2017

Jammu (Jammu & Kashmir), April 23, 2017 - Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board (SASB) informed that advance online booking of helicopter tickets for Shri Amarnathji Yatra 2017 shall commence at 10 am on 25th April, 2017.

Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board has finalized arrangements with UTAir India Pvt. Ltd. and Global Vectra Helicorp Ltd. for the Neelgrath-Panjtarni-Neelgrath sector and with Himalayan Heli Services Pvt. Ltd. for the Pahalgam-Panjtarni-Pahalgam sector for providing helicopter services for Shri Amarnathji Yatra 2017 commencing on 29^th June, 2017.

CEO SASB informed that the Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for online booking of Helicopter tickets have been formulated within the parameters of Air Traffic Services Regulations. Advance online booking for helicopter tickets will commence on 25th April 2017 through the website of the respective heli operators (www.utair-India.com, www.globalhelicorp.com, & www.himalayanheli.com). The guidelines for booking the heli tickets are available on the Shri Amarnath Shrine Board’s website, www.shriamarnathjishrine.com.

The heli-tickets are provided to the passengers through online- booking, agents appointed by the heli operators, tour and travel associations and current booking counters at Helipads. Heli-operators appoint eight agents, four each from Kashmir and Jammu Division for Neelgrath-Panjatarni sector and six agents for Pahalgam - Panjtarni sector, three each from Kashmir and Jammu Division.

The per passenger one way Helicopter fare for Shri Amarnathji Yatra 2017 has been fixed at Rs.1,715/- (inclusive of all taxes) for Neelgrath-Panjtarni and Rs.2,950/- (inclusive of all taxes) for the Pahalgam-Panjtarni sectors.

CEO further stated that Yatris who wish to avail Heli services are not required to seek advance Registration through the designated Bank branches as their applications for purchasing heli tickets contain the required information and the same shall be treated as Yatra Permits for undertaking the pilgrimage. However, no Yatri shall be allowed to board the helicopter unless he/ she produces the required Compulsory Health Certificate issued by an authorized Doctor / Institution. Thus, every helicopter passenger shall have to furnish a Compulsory Health Certificate at the time of boarding the helicopter at Neelgrath or Pahalgam without which the boarding pass will not be issued to the pilgrim.

The details of such institutions /authorized doctors is available on the Board’s website. No Yatri shall be allowed to board the helicopter without first submitting the Compulsory Health Certificate. Children below 13 year in age, elderly persons above the age of 75 years and ladies who are more than 6 week pregnant shall not be permitted to undertake the pilgrimage.

CEO SASB urged the Yatris to follow the Do’s and Don’ts available on Board’s website issued by SASB, from time to time, for safely undertaking this arduous Yatra.

CEO stressed upon the heli operators the need to ensure that they comply strictly with all the safety requirements and follow ethical trade practices in accordance with the safety regulations prescribed by DGCA / Air Traffic Controller and the Terms & Conditions of their Agreements with the Shrine Board.