📷 Image: Wikimedia Commons / VikramKaushik1976
Religion
Helicopter Service to Mehandipur Balaji Dham Suspended After First Flight
✍️ Amar Ujala · Rajasthan
🗓 30 Sep 2026, 09:30 AM
👁 17
A helicopter link to the Mehandipur Balaji shrine, launched on Dec 8, 2025, operated only once before being halted due to inability to run regularly.
The Rajasthan government inaugurated a helicopter service on December 8, 2025, aiming to provide a faster aerial connection to the Mehandipur Balaji Dham, a major pilgrimage centre in the state. The inaugural flight carried five devotees who boarded the aircraft from the designated helipad.
Despite the ceremonial launch, the service could not be sustained beyond the maiden trip. Officials cited operational constraints that prevented the schedule from becoming regular, leading to an immediate suspension of further flights.
Pilgrims and local authorities expressed disappointment, noting that the air link was expected to ease travel congestion during peak religious seasons. The authorities have not announced a timeline for resuming the service, pending a review of feasibility and demand.
The short-lived venture highlights the challenges of integrating niche air transport solutions with existing pilgrimage infrastructure in remote locations.
Despite the ceremonial launch, the service could not be sustained beyond the maiden trip. Officials cited operational constraints that prevented the schedule from becoming regular, leading to an immediate suspension of further flights.
Pilgrims and local authorities expressed disappointment, noting that the air link was expected to ease travel congestion during peak religious seasons. The authorities have not announced a timeline for resuming the service, pending a review of feasibility and demand.
The short-lived venture highlights the challenges of integrating niche air transport solutions with existing pilgrimage infrastructure in remote locations.