Correspondent, Excelsior
JAMMU, Dec 14: A major development for the Mendhar sector in Poonch district has been announced, as the Union Ministry of Home Affairs has approved a new subsidized helicopter route linking Jammu-Poonch-Mendhar, with an additional route option from Jammu-Mendhar-Jammu.
The MHA’s official communication states, “The proposal from the Union Territory of J&K to operate subsidized helicopter services on the new route has been reviewed, and there are no objections.”
The Jammu and Kashmir Union Territory has been instructed to claim subsidies from the MHA within the budget allocation.
This decision came after a proposal by the Secretary of the Civil Aviation Department, J&K, Mohammad Aijaz Asad, aimed at directly connecting the remote area of Mendhar with Jammu, the winter capital.
According to Aijaz Asad, the introduction of subsidized helicopter services is intended to improve connectivity in remote areas, particularly those facing accessibility issues.
He highlighted that this initiative will greatly benefit commuters, notably those residing in secluded regions like Poonch and Mendhar, and will facilitate emergency evacuations for patients when necessary.
“Enhanced air connectivity will lead to improved infrastructure and greater travel convenience for the residents of Jammu and Kashmir,” he remarked.
The Secretary noted that the new route will substantially bolster connectivity in the remote Mendhar sector, especially during difficult winter conditions.
It is also important to mention that subsidized helicopter services are currently operational in various regions, including Kishtwar-Sounder-Navapachi-Ishan-Kishtwar, Jammu-Rajouri-Poonch-Jammu, Jammu-Doda-Kishtwar-Jammu, Bandipora-Kanzalwan-Dawar-Niri-Bandipora, and Kupwara-Machil-Tangdhar-Keran-Kupwara.
