Shimla (Himachal Pradesh): In a major push to strengthen air connectivity and boost tourism, Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu on Wednesday flagged off heli taxi services from Shimla to Kullu, Reckong Peo (Kinnaur) and Chandigarh. The service was inaugurated at the Sanjauli Heliport, marking a significant milestone in the state’s transport infrastructure.
The heli taxi operations are being run under the Government of India’s UDAN (Ude Desh Ka Aam Naagrik) scheme in partnership with Heritage Aviation, with the aim of improving connectivity to hilly and remote regions.
Heli Taxi Services to Boost Tourism and Emergency Access
Addressing the media after the launch, Chief Minister Sukhu said tourism remains a top priority for the state government. He noted that faster air connectivity would not only benefit tourists but also help local residents, especially in emergencies requiring swift medical access.
आज शिमला के संजौली हेलीपोर्ट से हेलीकॉप्टर सेवाओं का शुभारम्भ किया गया। इस लोकार्पण के बाद अब संजौली से कुल्लू के भुंतर हवाई अड्डे और किन्नौर के रिकांगपिओ के लिए हर रोज़ हेलीकॉप्टर उड़ानें शुरू हो गई हैं।
— Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu (@SukhuSukhvinder) January 21, 2026
इसके अलावा चंडीगढ़–संजौली के बीच सप्ताह में तीन दिन हेलीकॉप्टर सेवा उपलब्ध… pic.twitter.com/nVR32JyAQE
“Tourism is a backbone of Himachal Pradesh’s economy. By improving connectivity, we are creating opportunities for employment, revenue generation, and better services for people living in remote areas,” Sukhu said.
Sanjauli Heliport Completed After Years of Delay
The Chief Minister highlighted that the Sanjauli Heliport, whose foundation stone was laid during the tenure of former Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh, remained incomplete for years due to funding constraints. He said the present government completed the project by coordinating with state and central civil aviation authorities while ensuring all safety norms.
Taking a swipe at the previous government, Sukhu alleged that large sums were spent on infrastructure projects without ensuring their effective use.
“Buildings worth nearly Rs 3,500 crore were constructed earlier, many of which remain unused. Our focus is on functional infrastructure that genuinely serves the people,” he added.
Kinnaur Connectivity a Key Focus
The inclusion of Reckong Peo in Kinnaur district in the heli network was described as a crucial step, especially for tribal areas. Sukhu praised Revenue Minister Jagat Singh Negi for consistently advocating improved air connectivity for the region.
He also acknowledged the efforts of Tourism Development Corporation Chairman Raghubir Singh Bali, whose engagement with the Union Civil Aviation Ministry helped secure approvals for new heliports in the state.
Rs 15 Crore Sanctioned Per Heliport
The Chief Minister announced that the state government has sanctioned Rs 15 crore for each heliport. Four new heliports at Hamirpur, Palampur, Rakad (Kangra) and Chamba are expected to be completed by March–April next year. Plans are also underway to develop heliports in Solan and Sirmaur districts with central support.
However, Sukhu cautioned that heli services in mountainous terrain are weather-dependent and cannot operate throughout the year due to turbulence and adverse conditions.
Number of Flights and Ticket Fares
Daily Flight Schedule
- Shimla–Kullu: 2 flights per day
- Shimla–Reckong Peo (Kinnaur): 1 flight per day
The services are operated using six-seater Airbus H125 helicopters.
Shimla Heli Taxi Service – Fare Details Chart
| Route | One-Way Fare (₹) | Daily Flights | Aircraft Type | Baggage Limit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shimla → Kullu | ₹3,500 | 2 flights per day | Airbus H125 (6-seater) | 5 kg hand baggage |
| Shimla → Reckong Peo (Kinnaur) | ₹4,000 | 1 flight per day | Airbus H125 (6-seater) | 5 kg hand baggage |
| Shimla → Chandigarh | As per operator | As scheduled | Airbus H125 (6-seater) | 5 kg hand baggage |
Heritage Aviation CEO Rohit Mathur said the fares have been subsidised through a joint partnership between the Himachal Pradesh Government and the operator under the UDAN scheme.
Tickets can be booked through the company’s official website.
Baggage Limit and Safety Approvals
Due to space constraints, passengers are allowed to carry up to 5 kg of hand baggage only. Mathur confirmed that all necessary approvals from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) have been obtained.
“The Sanjauli heliport offers modern infrastructure and robust safety arrangements. Although the approval process took time, everything is now in place,” he said, expressing confidence in strong passenger response given Himachal Pradesh’s tourism potential.
A Faster Alternative for Travel in Himachal
The launch of the heli taxi service is expected to significantly reduce travel time, improve access to remote regions, and provide a reliable alternative for tourists, business travellers and patients across Himachal Pradesh.