Vaishno Devi helicopter service is seeing heavy rush after April 01, 2011 when rates were reduced from INR 1250 to INR 699 for one way travel from Katra to Sanjichat. The demand is so high that its become even more difficult to get the tickets and there are reports that black marketing of tickets is at all time high.
Some pilgrims/tourists have complained that the helicopter booking center at katra bus-station does not give complete information. They often advises to check at the helipad base at Katra to see if there is last minute availability in the evenings. But as the helipad is about 2 to 3 KM away from booking center at katra bus stand so it adds to inconvenience of pilgrims.
Its time that Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board builds another helipad to increase the number of flights operating currently so that the increased demand is met.