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Written By: Om Thakur
Shimla: Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu on Wednesday inaugurated helicopter services from the Sanjauli heliport here, marking a significant step towards strengthening air connectivity and promoting tourism in the hill state.
Under the new initiative, daily helicopter flights will operate from Sanjauli to Bhuntar airport in Kullu district and to the ITBP helipad at Reckong Peo in Kinnaur, seven days a week. In addition, helicopter services between Chandigarh and Sanjauli will be available three days a week — on Mondays, Fridays and Saturdays.
The fare for the Sanjauli–Kullu route has been fixed at ₹3,500 per passenger, ₹4,000 for Sanjauli–Reckong Peo, and ₹3,169 for Sanjauli–Chandigarh. The Chief Minister said helicopter services on the Sanjauli–Rampur–Reckong Peo and Sanjauli–Manali routes would commence soon after receiving approval from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA).
Addressing the gathering, Sukhu said the helicopter services would provide faster, safer and more convenient connectivity for both tourists and local residents. He noted that the heliport’s close proximity to Indira Gandhi Medical College (IGMC), Shimla, would prove particularly useful during medical emergencies, enabling quick air evacuation of patients from remote and difficult terrain.
The Chief Minister said the state government was giving priority to tourism-led development and improved air connectivity. “Enhanced helicopter connectivity will improve access to key tourist destinations and remote regions, while also strengthening disaster response and emergency healthcare services,” he said.
Sukhu further stated that the government is constructing heliports at district headquarters and major tourist destinations across the state. Four heliports — at Jaskot in Hamirpur district, Rakkar and Palampur in Kangra district, and Chamba — are expected to be completed by March–April 2026, with an estimated cost of ₹15 crore each.
He said these facilities would encourage high-end tourism, generate additional income, and create employment opportunities for local youth, thereby giving a fresh boost to Himachal Pradesh’s tourism economy.
