The direct helicopter service from Jammu to the Mata Vaisho Devi temple began on Tuesday, facilitating pilgrims who wish to perform ‘darshan’ at the revered shrine within a day due to time constraints, officials said. This is in addition to the helicopter service which is already available between Katra, the base camp for the pilgrims visiting the famous shrine atop Trikuta hills in Reasi district, and Sanjhi Chhat near the temple with a one-way fare of Rs 2,100 per person. Pilgrims opting for the service from Jammu can choose between two packages — Rs 35,000 per passenger for same day return and Rs 60,000 per person for next day return. Marking the commencement of the new service, the first helicopter carrying pilgrims left Jammu airport at around 11 am and landed on Panchi helipad along the new trek to the shrine, the officials said. “The service is part of continuous efforts to provide better facilities to the pilgrims visiting the shrine,” Anshul Garg, Chief Executive Officer of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi
