Helicopter services take off from Jammu to Vaishno Devi shrine

Katra, June 25: In a major boost to the pilgrimage to Shri Mata Vaishno Devi shrine, the much-awaited helicopter service from Jammu to Vaishno Devi via Panchhi Helipad commenced on Tuesday.

The first sortie took off from Jammu airport by 11 am and was received at Panchhi helipad at about 11.20 am by Anshul Garg, Chief Executive Officer, Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board (SMVDSB) along with other officers of the Board amidst chanting of hymns by the Pujaris (priests). The first batch of devotees on board was presented with ‘Mata Ki Chunri.’ The direct helicopter service from Jammu to Vaishno Devi shrine was approved by SMVDSB at its 72nd meeting held on April 3, 2024 under the chairmanship of Manoj Sinha, Lieutenant Governor, wherein it was observed that direct helicopter service between Jammu airport and Panchhi helipad on the shrine track would not only bolster emergency response capabilities but also improve pilgrimage experience of devotees.