Srinagar, December 16, 2024: The Centre has greenlit subsidized helicopter services connecting the Mendhar sector with Poonch and Jammu, fulfilling a long-standing demand by local residents. The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) approved the service following a survey by air operators that revealed strong demand in the region.
Aijaz Asad, Secretary of the Jammu and Kashmir Civil Aviation Department, described the approval as a historic step, stating, “This is a significant move toward affordable flying and emergency evacuation for the remote Mendhar sector.”
He added that the subsidized services would play an important role in providing timely transportation and critical emergency evacuation, especially in an area prone to harsh winter conditions.
The helicopter service will offer crucial connectivity for the region, which struggles with accessibility challenges, particularly during winter months. “Villagers have been repeatedly requesting such services, and the MHA has responded positively by approving subsidized routes,” a senior official said.
Already operational in several areas, such as the Jammu-Rajouri-Poonch route and others like Bandipora-Kanzalwan and Kupwara-Tangdhar, these helicopter services are part of the government’s broader initiative to improve infrastructure and regional development in Jammu and Kashmir’s remote sectors.
“This service is expected to alleviate the residents’ mobility issues and enhance overall access to the border areas,” another senior official noted.
The Mendhar sector, situated in the foothills of the Pir Panjal range, has also been the site of heightened security concerns in recent months, with communication challenges affecting ongoing operations. The new service aims to mitigate some of these logistical difficulties and increase the area’s accessibility to urban centers.