Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, June 20: In another significant step, Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board (SMVDSB) today made operational an Emergency Helipad at Panchi, just one kilometer short of Mata Vaishno Devi ji Bhawan and linked the helipad with battery car.
SMVDSB CEO Dr Mandeep K Bhandari said the new helipad was meant for emergency evacuation of pilgrims in case of any disaster. He said Civil Aviation Department of the State Government conducted trial of landing helicopter at Panchi helipad this afternoon.
“The trial was successful,’’ he added.
Dr Bhandari said the construction of helipad has been completed and trial landing was done today.
Two helicopters can land simultaneously at the new helipad.
In case of any emergency, the pilgrims can be shifted to helipad by battery car and then airlifted from there.
The commercial sorties by the helicopters would continue to operate from Katra to Sanji Chhat and back presently.
Sanji Chhat helipad has a distance of three kilometers from the Bhawan.
The venue of new helipad has more visibility than Sanji Chhat even during winters.
Follow our WhatsApp channel