Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Feb 18 : Chief Executive Officer, Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board (SMVDSB), today approved a marginal increase in the helicopter fare on Katra-Sanjichhat-Katra Sector from the existing Rs 699 one way per passenger to Rs 800 per passenger for one journey with immediate effect. The increase has been allowed in view of escalation in the cost of the inputs, particularly fuel costs.
Disclosing this, Dr Mandeep K Bhandari, Additional CEO, SMVDSB, said that both the Operators including Pawan Hans Helicopters Ltd. and Global Vectra Helicorp Ltd. had, for the past several months, been asking for an increase in the helicopter fare in terms of the Board’s Agreement with both the Operators. “Their demand was based on the increase in the cost of inputs, particularly the Aviation Turbine Fuel”, he said. Pertinent to mention here that the current fare of the heli tickets, during the present contract period of April, 2011 to March, 2014, is substantially lower than that while was in vogue earlier.
Earlier, a one way ticket for an adult passenger used to cost Rs. 1225 this had come down to Rs. 699 per side with effect from 1-4-2011.
Dr Bhandari said that after due examination and appreciation of the requests made by the heli service providers by a Committee which reached conclusion that the fare of the heli tickets is low and the rates need to be rationalized in view of the overall inflationary trend in the market and the cost of inputs including manpower, fuel and transportation etc. has gone up substantially in last one year. It was noted that even the charges for traveling by pony from Katra to Bhawan are higher i.e. Rs. 700 as per the order of Deputy Commissioner Reasi dated 26.12.2012. This nominal hike would somewhat offset the price increase of various inputs which has come about over last one year.
Dr Bhandari stated that the new rates shall be applicable from 19.02.2013. All the tickets booked on-line from 19.02.2013 as well as the tickets available on current basis from 19.02.2013 shall be priced at Rs 800 per passenger per side. However, those who have booked tickets in advance, need not pay any extra amount.
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