Uttarakhand is set to strengthen its air and rail connectivity under the central government’s Udan scheme.
A new helicopter service between Pithoragarh and Munsyari is expected to begin by September 30, with Heritage Aviation chosen as the operator.
Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami had recently sought the cooperation of Union Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu to expand heli services across the state. In response, the Union Minister informed the Chief Minister through a letter that Heritage Aviation has been selected for the Pithoragarh–Munsyari–Pithoragarh route.
Preparations are also underway for a heli service between Pithoragarh and Dharchula, for which land is being identified to construct a helipad in Dharchula. Heritage Aviation has already received preliminary approval to operate this service as well.
Additionally, officials said that if airlines propose a service between Pithoragarh and Delhi under the Udan scheme, it will be “considered positively.”
Meanwhile, Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnav has conveyed through a letter to the Chief Minister that the Ministry is conducting a feasibility study for operating the Achhnera–Tanakpur special train, based on the state government’s request. He added that “further action will be taken in this sequence.”
Expressing gratitude, Chief Minister Dhami thanked both Union Ministers for their support in expanding the state’s heli and rail network.
Separately, Dhami reviewed the rescue and relief operations in Chamoli’s Tharali area, which was hit by a disaster on the night of August 22–23. Speaking at the State Emergency Operations Centre (SEOC) in Dehradun, the Chief Minister said he has directed officials to form a committee of experts and scientists from reputed agencies to study the recurring disaster patterns in Tharali, Saiji (Pauri) and Dharali.
He instructed the Chamoli District Magistrate to immediately provide ₹5 lakh as assistance for damaged houses and ₹5 lakh each to the families of the deceased. The Chief Minister also emphasised that urgent steps must be taken to drain water from the temporary lake formed at Syanachatti.