The Jammu and Kashmir administration launched a helicopter shuttle service connecting Doda to Jammu on Monday, offering residents of remote mountainous areas a faster and more affordable travel option to the winter capital.
District Development Council Chairman Dhananter Singh Kotwal and Deputy Commissioner Harvinder Singh presided over the inaugural event, according to details received by The Chenab Times. The service operates from helipads in Doda and Jammu, with one-way fares set at ₹2,500 per passenger to ensure accessibility across socioeconomic groups.
The initiative addresses longstanding connectivity challenges in the hilly terrain, where road travel often takes hours amid harsh weather. “The administration has been continuously working to enhance connectivity in this hilly region. With the start of the Doda–Jammu helicopter service, residents now have a reliable and quick mode of transport, especially during emergencies or harsh weather conditions,” Deputy Commissioner Harvinder Singh stated at the event. “We are also committed to ensuring that this facility operates smoothly and benefits the maximum number of people.”
To support operations, the Doda District Administration has set up an Information Cell at the Deputy Commissioner’s office complex for bookings, flight schedules, and queries. Passengers traveling from Jammu to Doda can reach the Directorate of Tourism office for assistance, Singh added. The fares have been subsidized to promote wider use, he noted.
The first flight from Jammu arrived in Doda with three passengers, who were greeted by officials and shared positive feedback on the service’s comfort and safety compared to extended road trips.
No immediate details on flight frequency or expansion were announced.
The Chenab Times News Desk