Ladakh’s Lieutenant Governor, Kavinder Gupta, inaugurated the expanded B-3 helicopter services, underlining their role in improving connectivity across the Union Territory’s remote and hard-to-reach regions. The initiative aims to strengthen essential transport links and support the broader development agenda of Ladakh by making isolated areas more accessible, especially in challenging terrain and weather conditions. In his address to officials and stakeholders, Gupta emphasised that helicopter services in Ladakh are not a luxury but a necessity for people living in far-flung areas. Given the region’s harsh terrain and extreme winters, these services provide critical access to healthcare, government services, and essential supplies when roads become unreliable or completely blocked.
Officials confirmed that the expansion includes new routes connecting additional remote locations, significantly reducing travel time and improving reliability. Subsidised fares have also been introduced to keep the service affordable, ensuring that a larger number of local residents can benefit from the improved connectivity without facing financial hardship. The expanded B-3 helicopter network is expected to give a strong boost to tourism in Ladakh by making scenic landscapes, cultural centres, and lesser-known regions easier to reach. Better air connectivity is aligned with Ladakh’s efforts to balance development with sustainability, enhance quality of life for residents, and drive inclusive, long-term economic and tourism growth across the Union Territory.
