In Jammu and Kashmir, in a major boost to the pilgrimage to Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine, the much-awaited helicopter service from Jammu to Vaishno Devi via Panchhi Helipad has commenced from today. Akashvani Jammu Correspondent reports that the service, which was eagerly awaited by the devotees, will provide a convenient and comfortable mode of transportation to the Holy Shrine. The direct helicopter service from Jammu to Vaishno Devi Ji will not only bolster emergency response capabilities but also improve pilgrimage experience of devotees. The first sortie which took off from Jammu Airport by 11:00 AM was received at Panchhi Helipad at about 11:20 AM by the Chief Executive Officer, Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board alongwith other officers of the Board amidst chanting of Mantras by the Pujaris and the first batch of devotees on board were presented with Mata ki Chunri. CEO SMVDSB said that the service has been launched for the convenience of the pilgrims which will not only reduce their travel time but also provide a unique and scenic experience. Besides, the service aims to assist those who are short on time but wish to undertake the pilgrimage to the Holy Shrine so that they could complete their pilgrimage faster as compared to the journey through track. The Shrine Board has partnered with two reputed helicopter operators to provide this service. The helicopters used for the service are state-of-the-art, following all safety protocols and have a capacity of 6-7 passengers. The helicopter service will operate from the Jammu Airport to the Panchhi Helipad, located near the Vaishno Devi Shrine. The service will be available daily, with 04 flights operating throughout the day. The flight will operate only when a minimum of four pilgrims have booked the service. The Shrine Board has come up with two packages for the pilgrims desirous of availing the facility, which are same day return (SDR) package that would cost ₹ 35,000 per pilgrim and next day return (NDR) package that would cost ₹ 60,000 per pilgrim. Under same day return package, the pilgrim, apart from to and fro helicopter service from Jammu to Shrine, will also get transport facility from Panchhi helipad to the Shrine and back to the helipad, priority Darshans, a free meal at Bhawan, ropeway ticket to Bhairon Ji and a box of Panchmeva Prasad. Under next day return, the pilgrim will also get transport facility from Panchhi helipad to the holy cave shrine and back to helipad, priority Darshans, accommodation for overnight stay and three meals at Bhawan, Shradha Suman Vishesh Poojan Arti (SSVP), ropeway ticket to Bhairon Ji and box of Panchmeva Prasad. Devotees can book their tickets and all the online services offered by Shrine Board through the Official Website of Shrine Board: www.maavaishnodevi.org, only.