Himachal Pradesh launches Shimla heli taxi to Kullu, Kinnaur and Chandigarh; fares, routes and key details

Shimla’s Sanjauli Heliport flags off new heli taxi services to Kullu, Kinnaur and Chandigarh, boosting tourism and regional air connectivity in Himachal Pradesh. (Image: X/ @SukhuSukhvinder)

• Shimla heli taxi services launched, connecting Kullu, Kinnaur, and Chandigarh
• Fares subsidised under UDAN scheme; daily flights to Kullu and Kinnaur
• Four new heliports planned; services aim to boost tourism and improve access

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In a major boost to regional air connectivity and tourism, Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu on Wednesday flagged off heli taxi services from Shimla’s Sanjauli Heliport. The newly launched helicopter routes will connect the state capital with Kullu, Reckong Peo in Kinnaur district, and Chandigarh, offering a faster and more reliable travel alternative in the hill state.

The initiative is expected to significantly improve accessibility to Himachal Pradesh’s remote and mountainous regions, which are often affected by landslides, snowfall and frequent road blockages. By strengthening air connectivity, the state government aims to make travel more convenient for tourists, residents and patients requiring quick medical access.

Chief Minister’s tweet highlights state’s tourism push

आज शिमला के संजौली हेलीपोर्ट से हेलीकॉप्टर सेवाओं का शुभारम्भ किया गया. इस लोकार्पण के बाद अब संजौली से कुल्लू के भुंतर हवाई अड्डे और किन्नौर के रिकांगपिओ के लिए हर रोज़ हेलीकॉप्टर उड़ानें शुरू हो गई हैं.

इसके अलावा चंडीगढ़–संजौली के बीच सप्ताह में तीन दिन हेलीकॉप्टर सेवा उपलब्ध… pic.twitter.com/nVR32JyAQE — Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu (@SukhuSukhvinder) January 21, 2026

Improved Connectivity for a Challenging Terrain

Himachal Pradesh continues to rely heavily on narrow hill roads that are vulnerable to weather-related disruptions, especially during the monsoon and winter months. The launch of heli taxi services from Shimla is expected to provide year-round resilience to the transport network while reducing travel time across key tourist and tribal regions.

According to reports, the Sanjauli Heliport project, built at a cost of Rs 15.86 crore, was inaugurated in 2022 but remained non-operational due to pending mandatory approvals from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA). The long-awaited clearance was finally granted on August 7, 2025, paving the way for the public launch of heli services this week.

UDAN Scheme Boosts Affordable Air Travel

The heli taxi operations are being run under the Government of India’s UDAN (Ude Desh Ka Aam Naagrik) scheme in partnership with Heritage Aviation. Under the scheme, fares are subsidised to ensure air travel remains affordable, even in geographically challenging regions like Himachal Pradesh.

To further support accessibility, the state government has capped ticket prices on these routes.

Heli Taxi Fares from Shimla

Sanjauli to Chandigarh: Rs 3,169

Sanjauli to Bhuntar (Kullu): Rs 3,500

Sanjauli to Reckong Peo (Kinnaur): Rs 4,000

The Shimla–Kullu and Shimla–Kinnaur heli taxi services will operate daily, while flights between Shimla and Chandigarh will run on Monday, Friday and Saturday.

Additional routes such as Sanjauli–Rampur–Reckong Peo and Sanjauli–Manali are also expected to begin operations soon.

Tourism Takes Centre Stage

Addressing media after flagging off the services, Chief Minister Sukhu said tourism remains a key priority for the state government. "Our government is focused on strengthening tourism by making the best use of Himachal Pradesh's natural beauty. Tourism generates revenue for the state and employment for local people," Sukhu said, as per ANI.

More Heliports Planned Across Himachal

The Chief Minister announced that the state government has sanctioned Rs 15 crore per heliport, with four new heliports planned at Hamirpur, Palampur, Rakad (Kangra) and Chamba. These facilities are expected to be completed by March–April next year. Plans are also underway to develop heliports in Solan and Sirmaur districts with central government support.

However, Sukhu cautioned that heli services in mountainous regions remain weather-dependent. "Due to turbulence and adverse weather, helicopter services cannot be available all 365 days, but whenever they are operational, people should take full advantage of them," said Sukhu.

Heritage Aviation Confirms Operations and Booking Details

Heritage Aviation Chief Executive Officer Rohit Mathur said the company has been awarded the Shimla–Kullu and Shimla–Reckong Peo routes under the UDAN scheme, with operations commencing from Wednesday, January 21, 2026.

Mathur confirmed that services will operate daily, with two flights per day on the Shimla–Kullu route and one daily flight on the Shimla–Reckong Peo route, using six-seater Airbus H125 helicopters.

He added that ticket pricing has been fixed at Rs 3,500 for Shimla–Kullu and Rs 4,000 for Shimla–Reckong Peo, with fares subsidised through a joint partnership between the Himachal Pradesh government and the operator.

Tickets can be booked through the company’s official website. Due to helicopter limitations, passengers will be permitted only 5 kg of hand baggage.

Calling the Sanjauli Heliport a modern facility, Mathur said all DGCA approvals were secured after due process. "The heliport has excellent infrastructure and safety arrangements. Although approvals took time, everything is now in place. Given Himachal Pradesh's strong tourism potential, we are very optimistic about the response to these heli services," he said.

Faster Travel, Better Access

The launch of heli taxi services from Shimla is expected to significantly cut travel time, enhance access to remote and tribal areas, and offer a faster alternative for tourists, business travellers and patients across Himachal Pradesh, marking an important step in strengthening the state’s tourism and transport ecosystem.