Another tragedy has struck Kedarnath. On the morning of June 15, a helicopter operated by Aryan Aviation Private Limited crashed shortly after takeoff, killing all seven people on board — including the pilot and a two-year-old child. The helicopter was en route to Guptkashi after completing a pilgrimage trip, but contact was lost within minutes due to poor weather and low visibility.

This is far from an isolated incident. In just the last three years, six serious helicopter accidents have occurred in the Kedarnath region alone, pointing to deep-rooted issues in regulation, preparedness, and oversight.

Victims of the Latest Crash

Among the deceased were:

• Pilot Rajveer Singh Chauhan

• Shraddha Rajkumar Jaiswal (35) and her son Kashi (2) from Maharashtra

• Rajkumar Suresh Jaiswal (41) from Gujarat

• Vikram Singh Rawat from Uttarakhand

• Vinod Devi (66) and Tusti Singh (19) from Uttar Pradesh

CM Dhami Orders Crackdown, Tougher SOPs Coming

Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami has temporarily suspended helicopter services and directed immediate formulation of stricter SOPs. New rules are expected to mandate:

• Experienced pilots for high-altitude flying

• Real-time weather assessments before every flight

• Technical inspections of helicopters pre-flight

• Formation of a technical expert committee to evaluate existing flaws

• A command and control center for heli-operations

A high-level inquiry committee has also been formed to identify the cause of the accident and recommend punitive action if negligence is found.

Crashes Becoming Alarmingly Common

Here’s a timeline of recent Kedarnath-related incidents:

• 7 June 2025: Emergency landing of a Kestrel Aviation helicopter after technical failure. No injuries.

• 17 May 2025: Sanjeevani air ambulance makes emergency landing due to rotor malfunction.

• 8 May 2025: Bell 407 helicopter crashes en route to Harsil; 6 killed.

• 16 Oct 2024: Emergency landing of a chopper carrying the Chief Election Commissioner in Munsiyari.

• 18 Oct 2022: Helicopter crash kills 6 pilgrims and a pilot; led to DGCA requesting air traffic control in the region.

Are Companies Ignoring Safety Guidelines?

Despite DGCA and Uttarakhand Civil Aviation Development Authority (UCADA) guidelines, it appears helicopter operators are often flouting rules. The latest crash has raised urgent questions:

• Are operators prioritizing profit over safety?

• Why is flight frequency not better regulated during uncertain weather?

• Are pilot experience and technical inspections being compromised?

The DGCA had earlier mandated:

• Only 2 flights per hour, extendable to 3 if weather allows

• Strict weight and fuel checks to determine passenger limits

But the ground reality is worrying.

Over 200 Flights a Day in Kedarnath

On average, 215 helicopter flights operate daily during peak yatra season. On good weather days, this number jumps to 290 flights, ferrying over 1,500 pilgrims daily.

These Are the 8 Companies Operating in Kedarnath

1. Himalayan Heli Services

2. Aryan Aviation

3. Trans Bharat Aviation

4. Heritage Aviation

5. Thambi Aviation

6. VT Aviation

7. Crystal Aviation

8. Global Vectra Helicorp Limited

Helipads in Operation

Flights operate from 7 helipads: Guptkashi, Phata, Badasu, Jamu, Sersi, Chardham, and Triyuginarayan — all situated in challenging terrain where clear weather is crucial.