Kedarnath, Uttarakhand | June 17, 2025 — A tragic helicopter crash near Gaurikund, en route from Kedarnath to Guptkashi, claimed the lives of all seven people onboard on June 15. The victims include six pilgrims and the pilot, Lt Col (Retd.) Rajveer Singh Chauhan, who was highly experienced in mountainous flying operations.
The Bell 407 helicopter, operated by Aryan Aviation, lost contact with the control tower shortly after takeoff. According to eyewitnesses, dense fog rapidly engulfed the valley, leaving the pilot with little visibility and no time to react. The aircraft reportedly crashed into a hillside and caught fire on impact.
Rescue teams from the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) and district authorities reached the scene within hours, but there were no survivors. Among the deceased were a toddler and elderly pilgrims, whose names have not yet been publicly released pending notification of next of kin.
Government Response and Inquiry
In the wake of the accident, the Uttarakhand High Court has taken suo motu cognizance and has directed the state government to submit a detailed report on aviation safety measures in the Char Dham region. The court has temporarily suspended all non-essential helicopter operations to Kedarnath and surrounding pilgrimage sites.
Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami expressed his condolences and promised strict enforcement of new aviation guidelines. “The safety of pilgrims is our top priority. We are initiating a complete review of current flying protocols in hilly terrain,” he said.
Pilot Honored in Jaipur
Lt Col Rajveer Singh Chauhan was posthumously honored in Jaipur on June 17, where hundreds gathered to pay their respects. A decorated Army veteran and skilled aviator, his widow, Lt Col Deepika Chauhan, stood by his coffin as fellow soldiers offered a final salute.
New Aviation Safety Guidelines Issued
In response to the tragedy, the state government has announced new safety measures, including:
Suspension of flights during poor weather conditions
Mandatory valley flying certification for all Kedarnath-bound pilots
Strict maintenance checks for all aircraft
Immediate suspension of pilots or operators violating protocols
Formation of a high-level aviation safety committee
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has also launched a technical investigation into the crash.
Conclusion
This incident has once again highlighted the perils of operating air services in challenging mountainous regions. As thousands continue to visit the Kedarnath shrine every year, the demand for faster travel must now be weighed against the safety of pilgrims and crew.