Himachal: Heli Taxi Service Launched from Sanjauli Heliport, CM Inaugurates, Check Fare and Schedule

Shimla: Heli Taxi Services Launched from Sanjauli Heliport, CM Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu Flags Off First Flights

After receiving the required approval from the Central Government, the Sanjauli Heliport in Shimla has been officially opened for helicopter operations. With this, two operators—Heritage Aviation and Pawan Hans Limited—have commenced heli taxi services from the heliport.

On Wednesday morning, Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu flagged off the inaugural flights to Reckong Peo and Bhuntar. The heli taxi was given a water cannon salute on the occasion. Cabinet Minister Jagat Singh Negi also travelled to Kinnaur via the heli taxi service.

Heritage Aviation will operate services on the Shimla–Reckong Peo and Shimla–Kullu (Bhuntar) routes, while Pawan Hans Limited will provide heli taxi connectivity on the Chandigarh–Shimla route. These services have been launched under the UDAN scheme, with 80 percent of the operational cost borne by the Central Government and 20 percent by the State Government.

Addressing the media, the Chief Minister said that the heli taxi service would reduce travel time between Shimla and Chandigarh to just 20 minutes. He added that the state government is developing heliports at district headquarters and major tourist destinations. Four new heliports in Jaskot (Hamirpur), Rakkar and Palampur (Kangra), and Chamba are expected to be completed by March–April next year.

Fare and Schedule

Sanjauli to Kullu (Bhuntar): ₹3,500 per passenger
Sanjauli to Reckong Peo: ₹4,000 per passenger
Sanjauli to Chandigarh: ₹3,169 per passenger

Heritage Aviation will operate one daily flight to Reckong Peo and two daily flights to Bhuntar. Pawan Hans will operate flights on the Chandigarh–Shimla route three days a week—Monday, Friday, and Saturday. Additional routes, including Sanjauli–Rampur–Reckong Peo and Sanjauli–Manali (Sase Helipad), are proposed to be launched soon.

State Tourism Director Vivek Bhatia said that the operationalisation of Sanjauli Heliport will boost tourism and enhance aerial connectivity in Himachal Pradesh.