3 more Himachal towns to get heli-taxi services after Diwali, tourism likely to get boost

In a significant boost to connectivity and tourism, three new heli-taxi services will launch in Himachal Pradesh after Diwali under the Udan (Ude Desh ka Aam Nagrik) scheme. The Union Civil Aviation Ministry has approved the air routes, which will connect Shimla to Reckong Peo in Kinnaur and Kullu, and Chandigarh to Mandi, marking a major leap in air travel infrastructure for the state.

For the first time, flights will operate from Sanjauli heliport in Shimla, offering direct link to Reckong Peo and Kullu. The heli-taxi services will also be run from the ITBP helipad in Reckong Peo, Kullu airport and the Mandi heliport. The government has already obtained the necessary permission from the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) to utilise their Reckong Peo helipad.

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The Director General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) inspected the Sanjauli heliport in June and expressed satisfaction with the safety and logistical arrangements. Additionally, the heliport may also serve as a crucial lifeline for medical emergencies, with proposed airlifting services to PGI-Chandigarh and AIIMS-New Delhi for critical patients.

A senior official said all necessary formalities would be completed this month, ensuring the smooth start of these services. The initiative is expected to strengthen tourism in the region by improving access to remote areas, which are often cut off due to natural disasters like landslides — particularly the highway connecting Shimla to Reckong Peo, frequently disrupted near Nigulsari.

Tourism experts believe the introduction of these heli-taxi services will significantly boost local businesses by attracting tourists to lesser-explored regions of Himachal.