The selection was concluded after an elaborate exercise for evaluating bids, involving an expert from Directorate General of Civil Aviation, Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board (SMVDSB) M K Bhandari said today.
At present, the heli-operations are being carried out by Global Vectra and Pawan Hans Ltd, who were awarded three year contracts through a similar open tendering process in the year 2011, he said, adding, the present contracts are coming to close on March 31, 2014.
The two Aviation Companies shall keep safety and security of the passengers at the focus of their operations, he said.
Bhandari further informed that helicopter tickets rates have been finalised on the basis of the lowest bid received during the tender and that the new tariff shall become operative from April 1, 2014.
One way Katra-Sanjichhat ticket shall cost Rs 1,039 per passenger and the return ticket from Katra to Sanjichhat and back would cost Rs 2,078, he said adding the present tariff is Rs 800 for one side travel and Rs 1600 for two way travel.