Free Helicopter & Transport Services Ensure Safe Return of Manimahesh Pilgrims

Chamba, September 4, 2025 – To ensure the safe return of devotees stranded during the Shri Manimahesh Yatra, the district administration has arranged free helicopter and transport services between Bharmour and Chamba.

Deputy Commissioner Mukesh Repaswal informed that continuous heavy rains disrupted road connectivity, making it difficult for pilgrims to return by road. To address this, Rajs Aerosports and Himalayan Heli Services have been engaged to provide free helicopter flights. On Wednesday, around 85 devotees were airlifted in 16 sorties, while by Thursday evening, 29 more pilgrims had been brought to Chamba. Priority is being given to the sick, injured, and elderly.

So far, nearly 15,000 pilgrims have been safely evacuated from Bharmour, with around 7,000 also provided free road transport from Kalsui and Chamba to destinations such as Pathankot, Nurpur, and Bhaderwah.

DC Repaswal assured that the safety and convenience of pilgrims remain the administration’s top priority, with coordinated efforts by multiple departments to manage the situation.