Jammu and Kashmir is a unique UT with typically different demography as such requires special solutions to totally difficult day to day problems and transportation is one of them. Unlike rest of India where all big states are mainly plain areas and small hilly States also having manageable transportation either by road connectivity or by air. But special status of Jammu and Kashmir brought miseries for seven decades, development of only dynasts and their cronies with public waiting for light, water and simple road connectivity so much so that despite best efforts and hundreds of crores in aid for infrastructure in last eight years yet some areas particular far flung hill areas, more specifically during winters remain inaccessible, particular for emergency situations. This problem becomes more complicated during heavy snowfall or with NH closure due to landslides. Keeping in view of all these special requirements, in 2016 MHA accorded special permission to operate subsidised helicopter services. Six years down the line due to various issues and slackness all five routes were still nonoperational but now administration has again revived the old interest and accordingly helicopter service provider has been chosen and all concerned DCs instructed to have helipad sites ready, specific instructions given to expedite the whole process. All these areas have army formations as such require specific air routes and helipads. Fare has been fixed but it remains to be seen how the things ultimately roll out like how many minimum passengers for a flight to operate, what in case of contingency and so many other practical issues. All said and done, intent and keenness shown by administration raises the hopes of the hill area public to avail still elusive helicopter ride. Well begun is half done and we hope by next week, as promised, Jammu will have long awaited far flung areas helicopter connectivity. Consistent efforts and commitment of GoI has made this also possible, one more gift of development to J&K.
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