Subsidised helicopter service reviewed

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Jammu, January 31

The functioning of subsidised helicopter service in Jammu and Kashmir was reviewed at a meeting chaired by Mohammad Aijaz Asad, Secretary, Civil Aviation Department (CAD) here today.

Addressing the meeting, Asad exhorted the officers to put in their best efforts to ensure that the purpose of facilitating the public with affordable and accessible means of transportation is met. He emphasised the need of creating awareness regarding availability of this service so that maximum people could be benefitted.

During the meeting, the issue of exploring possibilities for making these subsidised air services operational throughout the year was also discussed. Stressing on making air service more convenient and accessible for the public, the Secretary directed to provide online facility for booking, in addition to the offline option. He also sought suggestions from the officers concerned and service provider companies regarding further streamlining of this crucial service for the public.

Responding to issue of payments of Aryan Aviation Limited, Kashmir, and Global Vectra, Jammu, Asad issued directions for releasing the reimbursement at the earliest so that subsidised air services are not affected on this account.

Earlier, Additional Secretary, CAD, Veedushi Kapoor, briefed the meeting about the present status of subsidised helicopter services being provided in various areas like Doda, Kishtwar, Poonch, Rajouri, Bandipora and Kupwara. She informed that about 5,444 passengers have availed this vital facility from December 2022 to April 2023.

Meanwhile, nodal officers for subsidised helicopter service in Doda, Rajouri, Poonch, Jammu, Srinagar, Bandipora and Kupwara apprised the Secretary of various issues concerning their respective jurisdictions.

The meeting was attended by Nodal Officer, Divisional Commissioner, Jammu and Kashmir; Nodal Officer, Jammu, Rajouri, Poonch, Kishtwar, Doda, Bandipora, Kupwara; Accounts Officer CAD and other officials concerned.