A newly constructed helipad at Katra commenced operations a day after it was inaugurated by Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Thursday.
According to officials, the helipad, measuring 100m x 75m, along with a 1,100m connecting road, has been constructed by 69 RCC/35 BRTF under Project Sampark of the Border Roads Organisation (BRO).
The newly operational facility is expected to boost better connectivity and access to the pilgrimage destination while significantly reducing travel time and difficulties in the coming days.
Additionally, another helipad at Shiv Khori was also inaugurated by the LG to boost religious tourism and economic development in the region. While the Katra helipad is twice the size of the Shiv Khori facility, the 35m x 35m helipad at Shiv Khori, along with other works like an approach road, a pre-fabricated structure, and a 27m steel bridge, is expected to play a key role in facilitating pilgrimage to the revered shrine.
The helicopter service will facilitate pilgrims coming from all over the country. Since 2023, the Jammu and Kashmir administration has been investing heavily in infrastructure development aimed at boosting tourism in the Union Territory.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi had also announced the development of Srinagar and Jammu as part of the 100 smart cities planned in the country under the Smart Cities Mission.
The efforts were further intensified by the elected government led by Omar Abdullah, which has inaugurated dozens of projects to boost tourism in the Valley, especially after the sector witnessed a massive decline following the 2025 Pahalgam terror attack.
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