Himachal CM Launches New Helicopter Service Linking Shimla, Rampur and Kinnaur

Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu on Wednesday inaugurated a new helicopter service connecting Shimla with Rampur and Rekong Peo in Kinnaur district, aiming to improve access to remote areas, promote tourism and facilitate faster transportation during medical emergencies.

The service is part of the state government's efforts to strengthen regional air connectivity. It is not Himachal Pradesh's first helicopter service, as flights connecting Shimla with Chandigarh and other destinations had already been introduced. The latest route extends connectivity to Rampur and the tribal region of Kinnaur.

Speaking at Sanjauli Heliport in Shimla, Sukhu said the government had approved its share of viability gap funding (VGF) after residents of Rampur raised concerns about the delay in starting flights despite the availability of a helipad.

The new service will operate three times a week Monday, Friday and Saturday. The helicopter will travel from Shimla to Rampur before continuing to Rekong Peo. The journey to Rekong Peo, which takes around nine hours by road, is expected to take approximately 40 minutes by helicopter.

According to Shimla District Tourism Development Officer Jagdish Sharma, the fare from Shimla to Rampur is approximately Rs 3,642, while the Rampur–Rekong Peo journey costs around Rs 4,200.

Pawan Hans Executive Director (Marketing) Manish Rokade said the company was also working to improve connections between Chandigarh, Shimla, Rampur, Rekong Peo and Manali. The proposed Manali helicopter service could reduce travel time to about one hour, with fares expected to be around Rs 6,000.

Sukhu said the government planned to introduce helicopter services to Palampur, Hamirpur and Chamba within the next three to four months. It is also exploring a 17-seater helicopter service between Shimla and Chandigarh because of the challenges involved in finding suitable land for an airport in Shimla.

The state is developing helipads at district headquarters, including Solan and Sirmaur. Sukhu also said around Rs 2,400 crore had been disbursed for land acquisition and rehabilitation associated with the expansion of Kangra airport.

Pawan Hans said the state-funded routes were separate from services under the Centre's UDAN scheme. The expanded network is expected to benefit tourists, residents of remote areas and people requiring urgent medical transportation.