Jammu I March 13, 2025 – The Subsidised Helicopter Service Scheme in Jammu and Kashmir is set to enhance regional connectivity with the expansion of services, including the recently approved Jammu-Mendhar-Jammu route and additional routes in the pipeline. This development, aimed at improving access to remote and challenging terrains, has been complemented by the operationalisation of six new helipads in Bandipora and one in Kupwara, signaling a significant boost to infrastructure in the region.
The Union Ministry of Home Affairs approved the Jammu-Mendhar-Jammu route in December 2024, following a proposal from Mohammad Aijaz Asad, Secretary of the Jammu and Kashmir Civil Aviation Department. This route, connecting the winter capital Jammu with the border area of Mendhar in Poonch district, is part of a broader initiative to provide affordable air travel, facilitate emergency evacuations, and improve accessibility, particularly during harsh winter months when road connectivity is often disrupted. An additional Jammu-Poonch-Mendhar route option has also been approved, further strengthening links to these remote areas.
The expansion of the scheme builds on existing subsidized helicopter services already operational across the Union Territory. Routes such as Kishtwar-Sounder-Navapachi-Ishan-Kishtwar, Jammu-Rajouri-Poonch-Jammu, Jammu-Doda-Kishtwar-Jammu, Bandipora-Kanzalwan-Dawar-Niri-Bandipora, and Kupwara-Machil-Tangdhar-Keran-Kupwara have been serving residents in isolated regions, providing critical transportation and emergency medical access. The addition of the Jammu-Mendhar-Jammu route is expected to particularly benefit the Mendhar sector, known for its rugged terrain, by offering faster travel options and enhancing connectivity to essential services.
In a parallel development, the operationalization of six new helipads in Bandipora and one in Kupwara marks a significant step forward in improving air infrastructure in north Kashmir. These helipads, now fully functional as of early March 2025, are anticipated to support the expanded helicopter services and cater to the growing demand for connectivity in these districts.
Local residents and officials have hailed the initiative as transformative. The subsidized service is seen as a lifeline for border areas like Mendhar, where accessibility challenges have long hindered development. Beyond emergency services, the helicopter routes are also expected to boost border tourism in the future, showcasing the picturesque landscapes of Poonch and Mendhar to visitors.
The Jammu and Kashmir administration has been advised to claim subsidies for these services within the approved budget allocation from the Ministry of Home Affairs. Mohammad Aijaz Asad has emphasised that the scheme aligns with efforts to connect remote and inaccessible areas, providing quick and efficient transportation options for residents who have historically faced logistical difficulties.
As the Subsidised Helicopter Service Scheme continues to expand, it reflects a commitment to bridging the geographical divide in Jammu and Kashmir, ensuring that even the most isolated communities are integrated into the region’s growth story. With additional routes under consideration and new helipads operational, the skies of Jammu and Kashmir are opening up to new possibilities for connectivity and development.