Suhail Rather
Srinagar, Jan 21 (KNS): The Jammu and Kashmir administration on Wednesday restored subsidized helicopter services to Gurez valley and other remote northern border areas, re-establishing a critical winter lifeline for snowbound communities.
The services, operated by M/s Global Vectra Helicorp Limited, are intended to ensure smooth travel for residents, students, and patients amid disrupted road connectivity during the harsh winter months. Subsidized fares range from Rs 2,000 to Rs 3,000 per passenger depending on the route.
Key routes include Srinagar–Gurez (Rs 3,000), Bandipora–Gurez (Rs 2,000), Bandipora–Kanzalwan (Rs 2,000), Bandipora–Badugam (Rs 3,000), and Kupwara–Tangdar (Rs 3,000).
Officials said boarding priority will be accorded to patients, pregnant women, and students, subject to submission of valid documents. The Office of the Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM), Gurez, has appointed liaison officers at each helipad to ensure orderly operations.
ASI Mohammad Shafi will oversee Baduaab and Gujran, Feroz Ahmad Lone will manage Kanzalwan/Izmarg, and Naveed Anjum and Reyaz Ahmad Lone will supervise Badugam and Neeru.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp ChannelDawar and PTL helipads will be managed by Bashir Ahmad Lone and Mohd Yaseen, with support from NYCs Shanawaz Ahmad Mapnoo and Lateef Ahmad Sheikh at Dawar.
SDM Gurez Mukhtar Ahmad said liaison officers will coordinate passenger manifests, verify documents, and maintain constant communication with the SDM office. “No patient referrals will be entertained without proper endorsements,” he added.
The circular also stated that any technical issues or weather-related cancellations will be immediately reported. Bookings and inquiries can be made through the SDM Gurez office or designated officers in Kupwara and Bandipora.
Authorities clarified that the subsidized fares are strictly for local residents and will not apply to central/UT officers on official duty, tourists, or VIPs. The move comes as Gurez valley and adjoining border areas remain cut off due to heavy snowfall, restoring a vital link for residents during the winter months.(KNS).