The Char Dham Yatra, a sacred pilgrimage drawing millions to Kedarnath, was struck by tragedy again on June 15, 2025, when an Aryan Aviation helicopter crashed near Gaurikund in Uttarakhand’s Rudraprayag district. The crash, the fifth helicopter incident on the Kedarnath route in just two months, killed all seven on board, including a Maharashtra family and a young child. As India mourns, questions swirl: is this air route too dangerous for pilgrims?
The Gaurikund Disaster
The helicopter, a Bell 407 carrying pilgrims back from Kedarnath, crashed at 1:15 PM IST in a remote, fog-covered valley near Gaurikund. Initial reports from the Uttarakhand police cite poor visibility and rugged terrain as likely causes. “The area is treacherous, with sudden weather changes,” said Inspector General Garhwal, Sanjay Gunjyal. Rescue teams, including the SDRF, reached the site but found no survivors amidst the wreckage. The crash has left pilgrims and locals in shock, with videos showing thick smoke rising from the forested crash site.
A Deadly Trend
This is the fifth helicopter mishap on the Kedarnath route since April 2025, following four emergency landings reported by Times of India, including one near Kedarnath helipad on June 7. The earlier incidents, involving operators like Kestrel and Himalayan Heli, had no fatalities, but this crash has reignited safety concerns. “Five incidents in two months is alarming,” said Priya Sharma, a Dehradun-based travel agent. “Pilgrims are scared to fly now.” Over 15 lakh pilgrims visited Kedarnath this season, with 20% relying on helicopters due to the tough 22-km trek.
Why So Many Crashes?
Experts point to multiple risks: unpredictable Himalayan weather, aging helicopters, and overburdened operators. June’s monsoon onset brings fog and turbulence, making the narrow Kedarnath-Gaurikund corridor perilous. Many choppers, like the Bell 407, are decades old, raising maintenance concerns. “Operators cut corners to meet demand,” alleged a former DGCA official, speaking anonymously. The high volume of daily flights—up to 100 during peak season—strains pilots and air traffic control.
Uttarakhand’s Response
Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, visibly shaken, suspended all Char Dham helicopter services pending a safety review. “This tragedy hurts us deeply,” he said, announcing ₹15 lakh compensation for victims’ families. The DGCA and NTCA are investigating, with early focus on weather data and the helicopter’s maintenance records. “We’ll enforce stricter norms,” Dhami promised, but locals doubt quick fixes. “The government says this every time,” a Gaurikund vendor told me.
Pilgrims’ Plight
The crash has shaken devotees, many from India’s heartland, who see Kedarnath as a spiritual must-visit. “I took the helicopter to save time, but now I’m terrified,” said Sunita Patil, a Mumbai pilgrim. Road travel, the only alternative, is grueling and landslide-prone. Social media reflects the fear, with posts urging, “Make Kedarnath safe for devotees!” The Yatra, generating ₹2,000 crore annually for Uttarakhand, now faces a trust crisis.
A Call for Overhaul
India’s aviation safety record is under scrutiny. The Kedarnath route, vital for elderly and time-pressed pilgrims, needs urgent upgrades—better weather forecasting, modern helicopters, and stricter pilot training. “We can’t keep risking lives for profit,” said Dr. Anil Joshi, a Dehradun environmentalist. As the nation prays for the victims, the question looms: can Kedarnath’s air route be made safe, or should it be grounded for good?
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Last Updated on: Sunday, June 15, 2025 1:51 pm by Hemang Warudkar | Published by: Hemang Warudkar on Sunday, June 15, 2025 1:51 pm | News Categories: News, Latest
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