A series of helicopter accidents along Uttarakhand’s Kedarnath route has exposed serious gaps in aviation safety oversight, with experts calling for an urgent overhaul of operations. In just six weeks, the region has witnessed five helicopter incidents — two fatal — underscoring long-standing concerns about flying conditions and regulatory enforcement.

Flying in the Kedarnath sector relies heavily on pilot skill and visual navigation, as the route lacks both air traffic control (ATC) and real-time weather monitoring. “We are flying in one of the world’s most unforgiving regions with very little real-time weather support,” pilot Manoj Sharma said. “Operations in such large numbers are being conducted on pilot observation and visual reference. The weather is very unpredictable and changes very rapidly,” reported TOI.

The narrow valley between Gaurikund and Kedarnath offers no emergency landing sites, increasing risks when weather shifts suddenly. A veteran pilot stated bluntly: “These operations should immediately be stopped” until safety issues are addressed.

The Civil Aviation Ministry has already grounded Aryan Aviation from Char Dham operations and suspended two TransBharat pilots for violating weather norms. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has also deployed officers to monitor safety and airworthiness at newly set up command centers. UCADA, established in 2013, has been tasked with reviewing safety protocols and improving helipad infrastructure.

However, insiders argue systemic issues remain. A helicopter operator alleged improper maintenance practices, saying, “It seems there are no checks and balances in place.”

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