LEH: The Ladakh administration has resumed subsidised single-engine helicopter services from Leh to seven destinations across the Union Territory to strengthen connectivity with remote and far-flung areas during the harsh winter months, officials said on Wednesday.
The services, which resumed on September 29, are being operated by Pawan Hans Limited under a Wet Lease Agreement supported by the Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA).
The helicopter service connects Leh with Kargil, Padum, Lingshed, Dibling, Nyerak, Diskit and Turtuk, providing an alternative mode of transport for residents and tourists while also supporting emergency medical requirements.
The subsidised fare for the Leh-Kargil sector has been fixed at ₹7,750 per passenger, with a flying time of around 50 minutes. The Leh-Padum service will take approximately 45 minutes and cost ₹6,975.
Fares for Leh-Lingshed, Leh-Dibling, Leh-Nyerak and Leh-Diskit have been fixed at ₹4,650 per passenger, with each flight taking around 30 minutes. The Leh-Turtuk sector has a flying time of approximately 40 minutes and a subsidised fare of ₹6,190.
Officials said the flights are being operated by experienced, instrument-rated licensed crew, with mandatory airfield security and passenger screening arrangements in place.
District administrations have been directed to provide logistical support, ensure the operational readiness of designated helipads and nominate liaison or nodal officers to coordinate the services effectively.
The resumption of the subsidised flights is expected to provide a crucial transport link for communities in remote parts of Ladakh as winter conditions increasingly restrict road connectivity.
