DEHRADUN: In the limelight recently for being subjected to cruelty by owners, mules have outperformed helicopters in terms of generating revenue during the ongoing Kedarnath yatra, doing a business of Rs 82.4 crore, around 46% more than the revenue netted by choppers, which have earned Rs 56.4 crore.

It was the same story last year too, when mules earned Rs 101 crore and chopper firms Rs 75 crore during the Kedarnath yatra.

This year, so far, 10.3 lakh pilgrims have visited Kedarnath, maximum of the total 30 lakh pilgrims that have undertaken the Char Dham pilgrimage.The Kedarnath yatra lasts for around seven months.

While mules operate throughout this duration, the number of choppers reduces significantly during the monsoon period of around three months.

At this time, the low visibility and gusty winds make it difficult and risky for choppers to fly.

This year, there was rainfall even in summer, limiting chopper trips during the peak season of April and May.

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A total of 6,933 mules are registered with the Rudraprayag district administration and another 1,000 have been authorised to carry goods.

Officials say that most pilgrims prefer to take mules on the uphill trek to the shrine.

From Sonprayag and Gaurikund, as per figures accessed by TOI, around 1.8 lakh devotees took mules to Kedarnath this year, helping operators earn around Rs 54.8 crore.

Around 1.34 lakh pilgrims booked the return journey, generating a revenue of Rs 27.5 crore.Tourism minister Satpal Maharaj said, "The fact that over 10 lakh pilgrims have visited Kedarnath is a very encouraging sign and good for the economy of the area."