On June 15, 2025, an Aryan Aviation Bell 407 helicopter carrying seven people (five adult pilgrims, one child, and the pilot) crashed near Gaurikund during a routine flight from Kedarnath to Guptkashi, shortly after taking off around 5:20 a.m. local time
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All aboard tragically perished. The crash was likely caused by adverse weather conditions at high altitude amid challenging terrain
This marks the fifth helicopter incident in the Char Dham/Kedarnath region within six weeks, including a June 7 emergency landing and several rotor/blade–related mishaps
Official Response & Safety Measures
Uttarakhand CM Pushkar Singh Dhami has ordered:
Immediate halt to all Char Dham helicopter services until further notice
Formation of an expert committee to draft a strict SOP (Standard Operating Procedure), emphasizing twin-engine helicopters, live weather monitoring, rigorous fitness checks, trained pilots, and adoption of a Vaishno Devi-type model
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DGCA regulations, effective June 10, now cap flights to nine per hour on Char Dham routes, restrict operations to OGE (out‑of‑ground‑effect) conditions, and mandate live surveillance and audits
UCADA and DGCA have suspended all helicopter services temporarily, with larger-scale safety reviews underway
DIGI MARCH STORE PRINT ON DEMAND
💡 Traveler Takeaways If Heading to
🚶 Helicopter services are currently suspended—pilgrims must use the Gaurikund → Kedarnath trek (~17 km) via road and trail
⏳ New booking policies may be introduced—trip planners should check the IRCTC helicopter booking portal for updated ticket schedules and SOPs
🕞 Any flight will require twin-engine helicopters, favorable weather, fitness checks, and likely real-time camera surveillance
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