Himachal Pradesh News
Himachal Pradesh : Heli Taxi Services from Shimla to Kullu, Chandigarh Launched
Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu on Tuesday inaugurated helicopter services from the Sanjauli heliport in Shimla, marking a major step towards strengthening air connectivity and boosting tourism in Himachal Pradesh.
Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu on Tuesday inaugurated helicopter services from the Sanjauli heliport in Shimla, marking a major step towards strengthening air connectivity and boosting tourism in Himachal Pradesh.
With the launch, daily helicopter flights have commenced from Sanjauli heliport to Bhuntar airport in Kullu and the ITBP helipad at Reckong Peo in Kinnaur. In addition, helicopter services between Chandigarh and Sanjauli heliport will operate three days a week — Monday, Friday and Saturday.
The fare has been fixed at Rs 3,500 per person for the Sanjauli–Kullu route, Rs 4,000 for Sanjauli–Reckong Peo and Rs 3,169 for Sanjauli–Chandigarh.
The Chief Minister said helicopter services on the Sanjauli–Rampur–Reckong Peo and Sanjauli–Manali (SASE helipad) routes would also begin soon. “Proposals for these routes have already been submitted to the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) for approval of Standard Operating Procedures,” he said.
Sukhu said the long-awaited commencement of flights from Sanjauli would provide faster, safer and more convenient connectivity for tourists and residents alike. He added that the heliport’s proximity to Indira Gandhi Medical College (IGMC), Shimla, would make it extremely useful during medical emergencies.
Reiterating the government’s commitment to tourism promotion, the Chief Minister said the introduction of helicopter services would improve access to key tourist destinations and strengthen the overall air network in the state.
He further said that heliports were being developed at every district headquarters and prominent tourist destinations. Construction work on four heliports at Jaskot (Hamirpur), Rakkar and Palampur (Kangra), and Chamba is expected to be completed by March–April 2026, with Rs 15 crore being spent on each project. These heliports, he said, would attract high-end tourists and generate additional income and employment for local residents.
Revenue Minister Jagat Singh Negi, HPTDC Chairman RS Bali, MLA Neeraj Nayar and Principal Media Adviser to the Chief Minister Naresh Chauhan were present on the occasion.
The foundation stone of the Sanjauli heliport was laid on September 13, 2017, and it was constructed at a cost of Rs 15.86 crore. Although inaugurated on January 12, 2022, operations were delayed due to the absence of DGCA clearance. Final permission to operate flights was granted on August 7, 2025.
