The Jammu and Kashmir administration on Wednesday restored subsidised helicopter services to Gurez Valley and other remote northern border areas, re-establishing a critical winter lifeline for snowbound communities.
A local news gathering agency, reported that the services, operated by M/s Global Vectra Helicorp Limited, were intended to ensure smooth travel for residents, students, and patients amid disrupted road connectivity during the harsh winter months.
Subsidised fares range from Rs 2000 to Rs 3000 per passenger depending on the route. Key routes include Srinagar-Gurez (Rs 3000), Bandipora-Gurez (Rs 2000), Bandipora-Kanzalwan (Rs 2000), Bandipora-Badugam (Rs 3000), and Kupwara-Tangdhar (Rs 3000).
Officials said boarding priority would be accorded to patients, pregnant women, and students, subject to the 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 Muhammad Shafi would oversee Baduaab and Gujran, Feroz Ahmad Lone would manage Kanzalwan and Izmarg, and Naveed Anjum and Reyaz Ahmad Lone would supervise Badugam and Neeru.
Dawar and PTL helipads would be managed by Bashir Ahmad Lone and Muhammad Yaseen, with support from NYCsí Shanawaz Ahmad Mapnoo and Lateef Ahmad Sheikh at Dawar.
SDM Gurez Mukhtar Ahmad said liaison officers would coordinate passenger manifests, verify documents, and maintain constant communication with the SDM office. ìNo patient referrals will be entertained without proper endorsements,î he said.
The circular also said that any technical issues or weather-related cancellations would 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 subsidised fares were strictly for locals and would not apply to central and 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.