In a bid to enhance accessibility for devotees visiting the famous Kainchi Dham in Nainital, Uttarakhand authorities have approved the construction of a rooftop helipad on a three-storey parking complex near the ashram. Originally planned as a ₹29 crore project, the revised proposal now stands at ₹40 crore after structural modifications were made to accommodate the helipad. The parking facility, which was initially designed to hold 436 vehicles, was approved to manage the increasing footfall at Kainchi Dham. However, due to limited land availability, officials decided to utilize the rooftop space for a helipad, making air travel an option for pilgrims.
S.S. Samant, Joint Director of the Uttarakhand Tourism Development Board, confirmed that the project has received in-principle approval from the tourism department, and the Public Works Department (PWD) has been instructed to revise the detailed project report (DPR). “Along with the helipad, the plan now also includes widening the bridge leading to Kainchi Dham and broadening approach roads to ensure smoother access,” he added.
Kainchi Dham, founded by the revered Neem Karoli Baba, is one of Uttarakhand’s most sacred pilgrimage sites. Known for its serene atmosphere and divine energy, the ashram attracts thousands of devotees each year. It has also gained international recognition, with famous personalities like Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg and celebrity couple Virat Kohli and Anushka Sharma having visited the site to seek blessings.
The addition of a helipad at Kainchi Dham is expected to further boost tourism and improve connectivity, making it easier for both domestic and international visitors to access this spiritual haven.