Review Meeting of Civil Aviation Department’s Gamechanger Projects
Additional Helipad Being Built Near Garudchatti at Kedarnath Dham
Jolly Grant Airport Being Developed as per International Standards
Dehradun: Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami has directed that, along with accelerating the under-construction projects of the Civil Aviation Department, utmost priority must be given to safety standards in the operation of heli-services in the state. In a review meeting held on Tuesday at the Secretariat regarding the gamechanger projects of the Civil Aviation Department, CM Pushkar Singh Dhami stated that it is essential to expand the air services network to facilitate connectivity to remote areas of the state, while ensuring strict adherence to safety standards. He also instructed for efforts to be made to promote aero sports in Uttarakhand and to initiate regular charter services for the Char Dham shrines.
During the meeting, Civil Aviation Secretary Mr. Sachin Kurve informed that a new flying training school is being established at Pantnagar for pilot training. This centre represents a significant step towards meeting the rising demand for trained pilots in the civil aviation sector. Efforts are being made to develop digital mapping capabilities in collaboration with ISRO to enhance the safety of air traffic. Under the Uttarakhand Air Connectivity Scheme through UCADA, preparations are underway to launch shuttle services between Dehradun–Joshimath and Joshimath–Badrinath, as well as air services between Pithoragarh–Dharchula and Pithoragarh–Munsiyari. Similarly, a direct helicopter service from Gunji is planned to promote pilgrimage and tourism activities in the Adi Kailash region. To strengthen the Kedarnath heli-service, an additional helipad is being constructed near Garudchatti.
It was informed in the meeting that expansion works at Pantnagar and Jolly Grant airports are in progress. The Pantnagar Airport expansion is expected to be completed by 2027–28, while Jolly Grant Airport is being developed to meet international standards by 2026. Keeping in mind the needs and tourism development potential of Gunji, Munsiyari, and the Adi Kailash region, Pithoragarh airstrip is being developed as a regional hub center. Additionally, new helipads are planned in border areas with the cooperation of the Indian Army.
Present in the meeting were Vice Chairman of Infrastructure Monitoring Council Mr. Vishwas Dabur, Chief Secretary Mr. Anand Bardhan, Principal Secretaries Mr. R.K. Sudhanshu, Mr. R. Meenakshi Sundaram, Secretary Mr. Sachin Kurve, UCADA CEO Mr. Ashish Chauhan, Additional Secretary Mr. Vineet Kumar, UCADA Additional CEO Mr. Sanjay Toliya, and other concerned officials.
