Dehradun: Mules have earned about Rs 101 crore in Kedarnath passenger transport sector this year, while helicopters have earned Rs 75 crore, according to government data released on Thursday.
Out of the 15 lakh passengers who came to Kedarnath, 5.3 lakh passengers came on mules, earning the mule owners Rs 101.30 crores. However, the helicopter companies that transport passengers by helicopter have earned 75 to 80 crore rupees.
According to the data, Palinki owners also earned 86 lakh rupees during the trip this year. The total revenue from mules, helicopters and palinks is a little over Rs 190 crore.
4,302 mule owners and 8,664 mules have been registered with the state government. Currently, helicopters of 9 helicopter farms are plying to Kedarnath from 3 places like Sirsi, Fata and Guptkashi.
The state government has received an average revenue of Rs 8 crore from tickets and registrations from mules, palinks and helicopters.
Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami said, “For the past two years, the people who earn their livelihood from this annual pilgrimage have suffered due to the cancellation of the pilgrimage.” The arrival of a record number of travelers this year has brought them good luck. They have been able to recoup losses for two years.