Internet helicopter bookings for Amarnath pilgrims this year

Srinagar May 11 (UNI) Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board (SASB) has decided to place 50 per cent tickets of helicopter service between Baltal to holy cave shrine during the two-month long annual pilgrimage on Internet.

The pilgrimage will start from June 18 and conclude on August 18, the Rakshabandan day.

Chief Executive Officer, SASB, Arun Kumar said the board will evolve a mechanism to place 50 per cent tickets of helicopters on Internet and have room bookings in Baltal upto a specific number through Jammu and Kashmir Chapter of Travel Agents Association of India.

He said the board wants maximum participation of local traders and those associated with tourism trade for the successful accomplishment of the yatra.

''In fact it has been due to the active cooperation of the people of Kashmir that we have had successful yatras during the recent years', he said and hoped that the yatra will give a big boost to the local economy.

Chairman of J&K Chapter, Nasir Shah urged for deploying more helicopters to cater to the pilgrim rush.

They wanted the benefits of the operations of helicopters to accrue to travel trade agencies of Kashmir in a big way.

UNI BAS SB HT1404