India, Feb. 24 -- The Uttarakhand civil aviation department has proposed a plan to strengthen disaster response infrastructure by developing helipads at the portals of key mountain tunnels across the state.

Uttarakhand Civil Aviation Development Authority (UCADA) CEO Ashish Chauhan said air services play a crucial role in disaster management.

"Road routes in mountainous areas are often blocked or time-consuming. In such situations, helicopter services can be a most effective means of delivering rapid relief. With this in mind, the department plans to develop helipads at the tunnel portals," he said.

According to officials, a significant boost to this vision comes from the ambitious Rail Vikas Nigam Limited (RVNL)-executed Rishikesh-Kar...