Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Feb 28: Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board (SMVDSB) today announced that after concluding an elaborate exercise for evaluating bids, involving an expert from Directorate General of Civil Aviation, two aviation companies including Global Vectra Helicorps Limited and Himalayan Heli Services Private Limited have been awarded contracts for carrying out heli operations between Katra and Sanji Chat with effect from April 1, 2014.
Presently, the heli-operations are being carried out by Global Vectra Helicorps Ltd. and Pawan Hans Ltd., who were awarded three year contracts through a similar open tendering process in the year 2011. The present contracts were ending on March 31, 2014.
CEO SMVDSB Dr Mandeep K Bhandari said the heli operations shall be conducted in terms of the contract and as per the approved norms of DGCA, ensuring against inconvenience to pilgrims travelling by this mode. The two aviation companies shall keep safety and security of the passengers at the focus of their operations.
Dr Bhandari said the helicopter tickets rates have been finalized on the basis of the lowest bid received during the tender and that the new tariff shall become operative from April 1, 2014.
One way Katra-Sanji Chat ticket will cost Rs 1,039 per passenger and the return ticket from Katra to Sanji Chat and back would cost Rs. 2,078. The present tariff is Rs 800 for one side travel and Rs. 1600 for two way travel.
While Global Vectra is already operating on this sector, Himalayan Heli Services Ltd. will start operations on Katra-Sanji Chat Sector from April, 2014.
For the last several years, both Global Vectra and Himalayan Heli Services have also been operating for Shri Amarnathji Yatra.
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