Munsiyari in Kumaon will soon be connected by helicopter, cutting down on the long and difficult road journey. The Uttarakhand government has announced that a Pithoragarh–Munsiyari heli service will start operations by September 30, 2025, under the central government’s UDAN scheme.
The service, to be operated by Heritage Aviation, will provide faster connectivity for the region’s border districts. It is expected to greatly benefit residents with quicker access to essential services and medical help in emergencies. For pilgrims and tourists, it will offer a short, scenic flight into one of Uttarakhand’s most beautiful but remote valleys.
Regional Connectivity Plans
The state government has said that Munsiyari is only the beginning. Work is underway to connect Pithoragarh with Dharchula, another important border town, with land already identified for a new helipad. Plans are also being considered for a Pithoragarh–Delhi flight under the UDAN scheme, subject to airline operations. These steps aim to bring the remote Kumaon belt closer to the country’s mainstream air network.
Aviation Infrastructure
Alongside new routes, the state is upgrading its airports. Dehradun’s Jolly Grant Airport and Pantnagar Airport are being expanded to international standards to handle more flights. New helicopter routes are also being developed from Dehradun to Joshimath and Badrinath, along with better services for Kedarnath and the Adi Kailash (Gunji) region.
Safety Measures
After recent accidents in the hills, the government has introduced stricter rules for helicopter operations. Twin-engine helicopters will be mandatory on sensitive routes, supported by real-time weather systems, pilot fitness checks, and detailed accident audits. The Uttarakhand Civil Aviation Development Authority (UCADA) is preparing a 10-year heli-service plan to ensure safe and sustainable growth.
Why It Matters
The heli service is expected to change travel in this remote Himalayan region. For locals, it will mean faster and more reliable connectivity. For pilgrims and adventure tourists, it offers a convenient way to reach places that previously took hours by road. Strategically, it will improve movement in sensitive border districts such as Pithoragarh and Dharchula, giving a boost to both tourism and national security.
Uttarakhand, long known as a destination for spiritual journeys, is now working to position itself as a centre for adventure tourism and border connectivity — with aviation playing a key role in linking its mountains to the rest of the country.
