DGCA Approves Sanjauli and Rampur Heliports; Scheduled Flights to Begin Soon
Regular flights are set to begin soon from Himachal Pradesh’s first heliport located in Sanjauli, the capital city Shimla. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has given the green light to operate heliports in Sanjauli and the Rampur subdivision. The tourism department has been granted the license to operate these heliports. These flights will be operated under the Government of India’s UDAN-2 scheme.
One of the main highlights of the Sanjauli heliport is its capability to support night landings. It will also serve as an airlift point for emergency patients to PGI Chandigarh and AIIMS.The Chief Minister’s helicopter will be based at this heliport as well.
Construction of the Sanjauli heliport commenced in April 2018, with its inaugural successful landing occurring on January 3, 2021. The heliport was inaugurated in 2022 by former Chief Minister Jairam Thakur. After a three-year wait, DGCA’s approval now allows for the heliport’s full operation.
Vivek Bhatia, Director of Tourism and Civil Aviation, said that plans for flight routes and staffing are being prepared. The helicopter services from Sanjauli and Rampur will strengthen air connectivity in the region, boost tourism, and create employment opportunities.
Additionally, tourists will no longer have to land at Jubbarhatti Airport located 30 kilometers away from the city. They can now reach Shimla city directly, saving significant travel time.
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