Himachal tourism takes a hit as helitaxi services grounded for months

The Newz Radar

SHIMLA: Helitaxi services running for several years in Himachal Pradesh lie discontinued for the past many months. Operated by the central government company Pawan Hans at affordable rates under Udan scheme, these services in Himachal came to a halt over two months ago following the expiry of the agreement with the firm. The cessation has adversely impacted the tourism business in the region.
Connectivity, especially between Shimla and Kullu, has emerged as a major concern due to the discontinued helitaxi services. Another challenge is the lack of direct services between Chandigarh and Kullu, despite high demand for helitaxi services on the route.

For the past six years, helitaxi services connected Shimla, Dharamshala, Mandi, Kullu and Rampur under the Centre’s Udaan scheme to promote tourism. Moreover, the helitaxi Udan scheme operated from Chandigarh to Kullu (via Shimla and Mandi). These services were cost-effective due to the central government subsidising passenger fares. For instance, the fare for the Kullu-Mandi-Kullu and Shimla-Rampur-Shimla routes was Rs 3,356 and Rs 3,899, respectively. Similarly, the Chandigarh-Kullu-Chandigarh route (via Shimla, Mandi) was charged at Rs 7,169. Unfortunately, all these services are now closed.

No direct link to Kullu from Chandigarh & Shimla
Due to the shutdown of helitaxi services, the air connectivity challenge is most pronounced for the tourism-centric hill stations of Kullu and Manali. There is no direct connectivity to Kullu from Shimla and Chandigarh, despite considerable demand. Previously, tourists used the helitaxi service on this route. Additionally, the Shimla-Kullu flight was terminated six months ago, further limiting air connectivity for Mandi and Rampur in Shimla district.

Though Alliance Air operates a flight on the Shimla-Amritsar route, providing connectivity to Delhi, there is still no direct air service between Shimla and Kullu. It’s noteworthy that the helitaxi service on this route has also stopped.
Airport Authority of India’s Shimla Director Dhanpal said that after the end of the agreement with Pawan Hans Limited, the services had been closed. He said both the central and state governments are now aware of the issue. However, other flights continue to operate smoothly in the region.