Revival of Katra-Shivkhodi Helicopter Services After 14-Year Closure

A helicopter service is being introduced to connect Katra (Mata Vaishno Devi base) to Shivkhori, reducing the travel time to just 20 minutes. This initiative aims to boost religious tourism and make pilgrimage easier, especially for the elderly and those with limited time. The helicopter will land near Ransoo, the base village for Shivkhori cave temple. Fare and launch date details are expected to be announced soon.

Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha has announced the resumption of helicopter services between Katra and Shivkhori after a 14-year hiatus, with operations expected to begin by January 2026. The service will transport pilgrims to the sacred Shivkhori shrine in just 20 minutes. The revival is being made possible through a ₹6 crore investment dedicated to route and bridge construction. The 69 RCC (GREF) unit is undertaking the critical infrastructure work, which is expected to be completed within 6-7 months, paving the way for the January 2026 launch.

The helicopter service was originally introduced in 2010-11 but was abruptly halted in September 2011 due to a devastating landslide that damaged the crucial 500-meter route connecting the Shivkhori helipad to the temple. This natural disaster hindered the route and forced the indefinite suspension of operations.

The entire ₹6 crore investment is being specifically utilized to reconstruct and strengthen this 500-meter stretch, ensuring it meets future safety requirements and can withstand potential natural challenges.

When the service was operational in 2010-11, pilgrims paid Rs. 8,500 per person for the helicopter ride. However, given the 14-year gap, authorities expect pricing adjustments when services resume. No official announcement regarding new fares has been made yet. The final pricing structure will be decided through a tender process initiated after the completion of construction work. The selected helicopter service company will announce the revised rates based on current operational costs and market conditions.

Shivkhori, renowned for its naturally formed ice Shivling inside a sacred cave, attracts thousands of devotees annually. The restoration of helicopter connectivity will dramatically improve accessibility, particularly benefiting elderly pilgrims and those with mobility constraints who previously faced challenging multi-hour road journeys.

The 20-minute aerial route will enable pilgrims to visit both Mata Vaishno Devi and Shivkhori in a single trip, potentially boosting religious tourism in the region. With construction progressing on schedule, the administration remains confident about meeting the January 2026 target, marking the end of a 14-year wait for improved connectivity to one of the region's most sacred pilgrimage destinations.