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New Helicopter Initiatives to Enhance Religious Tourism in Uttar Pradesh
(Representative Image)
Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh: A significant development is on the horizon for religious tourism in the region, as a regular helicopter service is set to connect the cities of Lucknow with Kapilvastu (at Gorakhpur) and Prayagraj. The introduction of this helicopter service is aimed at giving a substantial boost to religious and spiritual travel in Uttar Pradesh. Kapilvastu and Prayagraj, two prominent destinations, hold immense significance for devotees, making them ideal locations for improved connectivity.
To facilitate this initiative, dedicated heliports will be established at these three locations, offering a range of essential services for passengers and crew. These services include waiting rooms, lounges, well-stocked cafeterias, crew rooms, toilets, and formal reception desks. The Uttar Pradesh Directorate of Tourism has invited "Expression of Interest (EOI)" from private sector participants to collaborate on the development, operations, and maintenance of these heliports. The submission of bids will conclude on August 7, and the technical bids are scheduled to be opened on August 8.
The primary objective of these heliports is to create a seamless facility for helicopter operations in the region, streamlining the movement of passengers between the cities. Additionally, the developers will have the opportunity to utilize the land for the development of airstrips and their operation/maintenance for various aviation-related activities, including aero-sports and aviation academies.
A senior official from the UP Tourism Department highlighted that the heliports would be developed as Visual Flight Rules (VFR) compliant facilities, ensuring safe and efficient helicopter operations.
This initiative follows a previous news report about the successful promotion of tourism in Ayodhya. An aerial view service was introduced on Ram Navami, offering a thrilling experience for devotees to witness the city of Ayodhya and the picturesque Saryu River from a helicopter. The service garnered positive responses, attracting visitors from all corners of the country. The fee for this extraordinary experience was set at ₹3,000 per person. The aerial view service provided a mesmerizing darshan (view) of Ayodhya City, including the ongoing temple construction work.
Uttar Pradesh's Tourism Minister, Jaiveer Singh, has earlier expressed the state government's dedication to enhancing connectivity in Ayodhya and further promoting religious tourism. The aerial darshan facility has been met with enthusiasm and is expected to be extended in the future.
Looking ahead, the state plans to introduce similar aerial darshan facilities at other pilgrimage sites, including Prayagraj, during the upcoming Kumbh festival. These helicopter rides are designed to offer an unforgettable and awe-inspiring view of the sacred sites, enriching the religious tourism experience for devotees from across the country. The state of Uttar Pradesh continues to innovate and invest in measures to enhance religious tourism and offer unique travel opportunities to visitors.
