Authorities cite rising aviation turbine fuel costs for the fare hike, alongside plans for a new helipad and ropeway project near Katra.
Pilgrims traveling to the Vaishno Devi shrine will soon face higher travel costs as helicopter service providers prepare to increase fares by approximately 15 percent, according to reports.
The revised rates are expected to take effect on November 1, following the Shardiya Navratra festival. Under the proposed changes, the one-way fare from Katra to Sanji Chhat is expected to rise from the current 2,320 Indian rupees to roughly 2,700 rupees, marking an increase of about 380 rupees. Meanwhile, round-trip fares are set to climb from 4,650 rupees to approximately 5,400 rupees, an increase of about 790 rupees.
Operators attributed the upward revision in ticket prices to the rising cost of aviation turbine fuel.
Alongside the fare adjustments, infrastructure upgrades are underway along the pilgrimage route. A newly constructed helipad near the Tarakote path is scheduled to open around the Navratra festival, shifting operations from the existing Serli helipad. Officials plan to eventually use the new helipad to launch a helicopter service between Katra and Shiv Khori.
Work is also progressing on a proposed 3.5-billion-rupee ropeway project designed to connect Katra directly with the Vaishno Devi shrine, supplementing the existing passenger ropeway operating between the shrine and Bhairon Valley.
To enhance security and manage pilgrim flow, security protocols involving Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) tracking cards are being reinforced at the Ban Ganga checkpoint, where authorities have restricted entry for visitors lacking valid registration cards.
Additionally, local authorities have expanded visitor amenities, including the introduction of a new floating restaurant near the Chenab Bridge along the Poni route to cater to travelers visiting Vaishno Devi and Shiv Khori.