Summary:
There are 22 registered aviation companies that provide services during Char Dham yatra. During the peak yatra season in May and June, frequent complaints of overcharging are received.Tourism secretary Dileep Jawalkar said, “The online booking will start before the commencement of Char Dham yatra and all required permissions have been taken. Dehradun: To stop overcharging by helicopter companies, the state tourism department is going to start online chopper booking facility for Char Dham yatra this year.Garhwal Mandal Vikas Nigam (GMVN) or Uttarakhand Civil Aviation Development Authority (UCADA) will manage the single portal to facilitate online booking.Sources said that the move was initiated to control overcharging by the aviation companies. When I asked the in-charge of the aviation company, I was told that demands are high and I would have to wait if I pay normal airfare.” Soon a common centre will also be opened where all the companies will have their counter.”Doon resident Neelam Bhartari said, “Two years ago when I went to visit Kedarnath, I had to pay Rs 10,000 for a chopper ticket which is otherwise Rs 7000 from Phata..