Shimla Heli Taxi Links Kullu, Kinnaur and Chandigarh
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The launch of a new heli taxi network from Shimla to Kullu, Reckong Peo (Kinnaur) and Chandigarh marks a fresh push to improve connectivity and tourism across Himachal Pradesh.
Overview of the new heli taxi service
Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu inaugurated heli taxi operations from the Sanjouli Heliport, establishing daily links between the state capital and key destinations: Kullu, Reckong Peo in Kinnaur, and Chandigarh. The services operate under the Government of India’s UDAN scheme in partnership with Heritage Aviation, and were formally flagged off as part of a state plan to boost tourism, improve access to remote areas and provide faster medical and business travel.
Service specifics
Heritage Aviation will operate the routes using six-seater Airbus H125 helicopters. The operator has scheduled two daily rotations on the Shimla–Kullu corridor and one daily flight on the Shimla–Reckong Peo corridor. Fares have been subsidized through a joint arrangement between the state government and the operator to keep air travel affordable for residents and visitors.
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| Route | Frequency | Fare (INR) | Helicopter | Baggage Limit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shimla – Kullu | 2 flights/day | 3,500 | Airbus H125 (6-seater) | 5 kg hand baggage |
| Shimla – Reckong Peo (Kinnaur) | 1 flight/day | 4,000 | Airbus H125 (6-seater) | 5 kg hand baggage |
| Shimla – Chandigarh | Service launched (schedules vary) | Subsidized — consult operator | Airbus H125 (6-seater) | 5 kg hand baggage |
Operational and safety notes
- The Sanjouli Heliport has been completed with all regulatory clearances from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA). Infrastructure and safety systems conform to required standards.
- Passengers should expect strict luggage limits due to helicopter capacity—generally 5 kg of hand baggage per passenger.
- Heli operations in mountainous regions remain weather-dependent; turbulence and adverse conditions can suspend services seasonally.
Planned expansion and funding
The state government has allocated financial support for new heliports and aviation infrastructure, signalling a medium-term commitment to expanding inter-district air links.
| Heliport | District | Sanctioned Amount (INR) | Expected Completion |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hamirpur Heliport | Hamirpur | 15 crore | March–April next year |
| Palampur Heliport | Kangra | 15 crore | March–April next year |
| Rakad Heliport | Kangra | 15 crore | March–April next year |
| Chamba Heliport | Chamba | 15 crore | March–April next year |
Stakeholders and advocacy
Officials credited persistent advocacy by state ministers and tourism officials—most notably Revenue Minister Jagat Singh Negi and Tourism Development Corporation Chairman Raghubir Singh Bali—for securing approvals. The project team coordinated with central civil aviation authorities to finalize safety clearances and operational parameters.
Benefits and limitations
- Benefits: Sharp reductions in travel time between remote valleys and the state capital; faster medical evacuation potential; new tourism product for high-value travelers; employment opportunities for local guides, ground staff and allied services.
- Limitations: Weather dependency limits year-round reliability; higher per-passenger costs than road travel even after subsidies; limited baggage capacity constrains certain traveler segments.
How this ties into wider tourism patterns
Mountain heli services typically attract premium tourists and can create linkages with other tourism offerings such as trekking, cultural tours, and adventure sports. Faster access to remote valleys often raises demand for upgraded accommodation, guided services, and specialised activities. While Himachal Pradesh is not a marine destination, improved aerial connectivity can complement broader tourism circuits that include lakes, rivers and scenic valleys, making multi-destination itineraries more feasible for both domestic and international visitors.
Context and brief history
India’s UDAN scheme was designed to democratize air travel and enhance regional connectivity by subsidizing short-haul services and encouraging small-aircraft operations. Over recent years, UDAN has supported regional airports, STOL (short takeoff and landing) facilities and heliports in hilly terrain where road journeys are long and arduous. The foundation stone for the Sanjouli Heliport was originally laid during the tenure of former Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh, but completion was delayed until funds and approvals were advanced under the current administration.
Heritage Aviation’s deployment of the Airbus H125 reflects a common choice for mountain heli operations due to the type’s performance in high-altitude environments. Regulators such as the DGCA play a critical role in ensuring that heliports meet safety and operational norms before commercial flights begin.
Outlook for tourism and connectivity
In the near term, the heli taxi network is likely to attract travelers prioritizing speed and convenience over cost. Medical evacuations and business travellers will benefit immediately, and tourism operators can package fast-access experiences to reach more distant valleys within a day. Over a longer horizon, if additional heliports and reliable scheduling become established, the region could see growth in higher-end tourism segments and increased visibility among international travelers seeking unique alpine experiences.
Considerations for implementation
- Seasonal scheduling and transparent communication of weather-related cancellations will be essential to maintain traveler confidence.
- Infrastructure at origin and destination helipads—such as passenger handling, parking and last-mile connectivity—must match the expectations set by aerial services.
- Sustained subsidies or demand stimulation may be needed until passenger volumes reach a self-sustaining level.
In summary, the new heli taxi service launched from Shimla underlines a strategic push to reduce journey times, improve access to remote districts like Kinnaur, and diversify the state’s tourism offerings. While weather constraints and capacity limits present practical challenges, the initiative creates opportunities for faster medical transfers, business travel, and premium tourist experiences across mountain destinations. For readers interested in following evolving travel infrastructure, GetBoat GetBoat.com is always keeping an eye on the latest tourism news.
