Himachal Pradesh launches heli taxi services to improve connectivity and boost tourism

In a major step towards improving air connectivity in hilly and remote areas, Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu on Wednesday inaugurated heli taxi services connecting Shimla with Kullu, Reckong Peo (Kinnaur) and Chandigarh. The services were officially flagged off from the Sanjauli Heliport in Shimla.

The Heli services are being operated under the Government of India’s UDAN (Ude Desh Ka Aam Naagrik) scheme in partnership with Heritage Aviation. The initiative aims to make travel easier, faster and more affordable for people living in difficult terrain, while also supporting tourism growth in the state.

The fare has been fixed at INR 3,500 for Shimla–Kullu and INR 4,000 for Shimla–Reckong Peo. These prices are subsidised through a joint partnership between the Himachal Pradesh government and the operator. Tickets can be booked through Heritage Aviation’s official website. Due to limited space on helicopters, passengers will be allowed only 5 kg of hand baggage.

Heritage Aviation CEO Rohit Mathur said the company has been awarded the Shimla–Kullu and Shimla–Reckong Peo routes under the UDAN scheme, and operations began on Wednesday. He said there will be two flights daily on the Shimla–Kullu route and one daily flight on the Shimla–Reckong Peo route, operated using six-seater Airbus H125 helicopters.

Speaking to the media, Chief Minister Sukhu said tourism is a top priority for the state government and the new Heli services will give a strong push to both tourism and transport infrastructure. “Our government is committed to strengthening tourism by making the best use of Himachal Pradesh’s natural beauty. Tourism not only brings revenue but also creates employment opportunities for local people,” he said.

Sukhu said the Sanjauli Heliport project, whose foundation stone was laid during the tenure of former Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh, had remained incomplete for years due to a lack of funds. The present government completed the project by coordinating with state and central aviation authorities and ensuring all safety standards were met.

He praised Revenue Minister Jagat Singh Negi for advocating better air connectivity for the tribal district of Kinnaur, noting that including Reckong Peo in the Heli network would greatly benefit residents, tourists and patients needing urgent medical care.

The Chief Minister announced that the state government has approved INR 15 crore for each heliport, and four new heliports in Hamirpur, Palampur, Rakad (Kangra) and Chamba are expected to be completed by March or April next year. Plans are also in progress to develop heliports in Solan and Sirmaur districts with central government support.

Sukhu clarified that helicopter services in mountainous regions are affected by weather conditions and cannot operate throughout the year. “Due to turbulence and adverse weather, helicopter services cannot run all 365 days. But whenever they are available, people should make full use of them,” he said.

The new heli taxi services are expected to significantly reduce travel time, improve access to remote areas, and offer a faster travel option for tourists, business travellers and patients across the state.