Helicopter Service Between Doda and Jammu Inaugurated

SRINAGAR: The long-awaited helicopter service between Doda and Jammu was officially inaugurated on Monday, marking a major step towards improving connectivity between the remote mountainous district and the Union Territory’s winter capital.

The service aims to provide affordable, safe, and time-efficient travel for residents, with the fare fixed at Rs 2,500 per person. The initiative has been widely hailed as a milestone in enhancing mobility, accessibility, and emergency response in the region.

The inaugural ceremony was attended by District Development Council (DDC) Chairman Dhananter Singh Kotwal and Deputy Commissioner Harvinder Singh, who described the launch as a transformative move that will greatly benefit the people of Doda.

Speaking at the event, Deputy Commissioner Harvinder Singh said the administration has been making sustained efforts to strengthen transport connectivity in the hilly terrain. “With the start of the Doda–Jammu helicopter service, residents now have a reliable mode of transport, especially during emergencies or harsh weather conditions,” he said.

To facilitate passengers, the District Administration Doda has set up an Information Cell in the DC Office Complex for booking assistance and flight-related queries, while travellers from Jammu can contact the Directorate of Tourism Office for information and support.

The first flight carrying three passengers from Jammu to Doda was received with enthusiasm by the district administration. The passengers expressed satisfaction with the service, calling it a safe, comfortable, and time-saving alternative to the lengthy road journey.

Local residents welcomed the launch, thanking the government for making air travel affordable and accessible. The new service is expected to strengthen regional connectivity, promote economic and tourism development, and symbolise the administration’s commitment to bringing essential services closer to the people of Doda.