Shri Umang Narula, Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board, today announced the finalization of the helicopter operations for Shri Amarnathji Yatra 2017, which is scheduled to commence on 29th June, 2017.
Briefing Governor N.N Vohra, Chairman Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board, CEO stated that after following a transparent bidding process, efforts had succeeded in securing significant reduction in the fares, as compared to the previous years. For the forthcoming Yatra 2017, inclusive of taxes, the one way passenger fare for the Neelgrath-Panjtarni sector has been fixed at Rs. 1715/- per head and that for the Pahalgam-Panjtarni axis will be Rs. 2950/- per person. It is relevant to recall that till Yatra 2016 the one way heli-fare for the Neelgrath-Panjtarni route was Rs. 2000/- and Rs. 4300/- for the Pahalgam-Panjtarni axis. It would thus be seen that while the Pahalgam Sector fare is Rs.1350/- less than in 2016 there is a reduction of Rs. 285/- in the Neelgrath sector fare, per passenger one way fare.
The heli- services have been contracted out to UTair India Pvt. Ltd. and Global Vectra Helicorp Ltd. for the Neelgrath-Panjtarni-Neelgrath sector and Himalayan Heli Services Pvt. Ltd. for the Pahalgam-Panjtarni-Pahalgam sector.
CEO further informed that the on-line booking facility for purchase of heli tickets by the intending Yatris shall commence shortly and advised the pilgrims not to be misled by unscrupulous elements who try to book tickets by fraudulent means and to procure the tickets only from the authorized agencies.
CEO further stated that Yatris who wish to avail helicopter services for their pilgrimage are not required to seek any separate Advance Registration through the designated Bank branches. However, all such Yatris shall be required to produce the prescribed Compulsory Health Certificate issued by the authorized Doctor(s)/ Institutes which have been notified by their State Government, at the time of boarding the helicopter at the Neelgrath or Pahalgam helipads, without which, the boarding passes will not be issued to them.
Shri Narula further informed that the Shrine Board has procured insurance cover of Rs.1.00 lakh for each registered Yatri and each registered Service Provider and, besides, a cover of Rs.30,000 for every registered Pony, for any accidental deaths that may occur during the Shri Amarnathji Yatra 2017. It may be informed that as per a decision taken by Governor and approved by the Shrine Board, the Board shall bear the entire cost of obtaining the aforesaid group insurance policies.
CEO advised the intending Yatris to come well prepared with adequate woolen clothes as the temperature can fall abruptly in the Yatra area. He also advised the Yatris to prepare for the Yatra by achieving a high level of physical fitness and suggested that deep breathing exercises and Yoga be practiced regularly for improving respiratory efficiency. The Yatris are also advised to thoroughly study, the Dos and Don’ts for the Yatra 2017 which are printed on the reverse of their Yatra Permit. These have also been compiled in a separate handbook “Yatra Nirdeshika” which is being provided free of cost to each Yatri at the time of registration. Updated Dos and Don’ts and Health Advisory have also been uploaded on the Shrine Board’s website: http://www.shriamarnathjishrine.com.
