The Centre has accorded its approval for operation of helicopter services in Jammu and Kashmir and Himachal Pradesh on a pilot basis in 10 sectors. <br/>In case of Jammu and Kashmir, the recommendation of the Joint Working Group for five sectors has been accepted. They are Srinagar – Kargil – Srinagar, Srinagar – Drass – Srinagar, Kargil – Padum – Leh – Padum – Kargil, Leh – Lingshed – Leh and Srinagar – Leh – Srinagar. The five sectors may be re-aligned based on the fresh assessment made by Government of Jammu and Kashmir in consultation with Ministry of Home Affairs. <br/><br/>Government of India will subsidize only the cost towards actual number of entitled passengers utilizing the helicopter services and no subsidy will be provided for the vacant seats. Emergency services and common passenger services to the local residents of the State will be provided on priority and at subsidized rates. VIPs, Officers of the State Government on tour, Income tax payers or tourists will not be eligible for subsidized fares. Such persons will have to pay full fare subject to availability of seats. The operator of the services will be selected by open tender process by the State Government. The operation of helicopter services in the State will continue till March, 2017 or expiry of contract, whichever is earlier.