Himachal Pradesh is set to receive a significant boost in regional air connectivity with the launch of daily private helicopter flights under the central government's UDAN scheme. Services will commence on January 14, linking the state capital with two key districts.
New Routes and Flight Details
The flights will operate from the Sanjauli heliport in Shimla to two destinations: Bhuntar in Kullu district and Rekong Peo in Kinnaur district. The operator, Heritage Aviation Pvt Ltd, will run two daily flights on the Shimla-Bhuntar route. A one-way ticket on this sector is priced at Rs 3,500 per passenger.
For the Shimla to Rekong Peo route, the company will initially operate one daily flight. The fare for this scenic journey is set at Rs 4,000 per passenger. The service will utilize a six-seater Airbus H125 helicopter.
Operator's Experience and Government Support
Heritage Aviation is not new to regional connectivity operations. The company currently manages daily UDAN flights in the neighbouring state of Uttarakhand, connecting a network of 11 towns and cities. The Himachal Pradesh operation marks its first daily service in this state.
The company conducted successful trial landings this past Thursday and held meetings with state officials to finalize preparations. Rohit Mathur, Founder and CEO of Heritage Aviation, confirmed that the state government has promised full support for the initiative. "The state govt has assured full support to start these flights," Mathur stated.
Infrastructure and Funding
The launch will finally bring into operation the Sanjauli heliport, which was inaugurated back in January 2022 by the then Chief Minister and current Leader of Opposition, Jairam Thakur. The heliport was constructed at a total cost of Rs 18 crore but had remained non-functional since its inauguration.
The funding for this project came from two major schemes. A substantial Rs 12 crore was allocated under the Himalayan Circuit of the Swadesh Darshan programme. The remaining Rs 6 crore was funded through the UDAN-2 scheme, which aims to make air travel affordable and widespread.
Impact and Future of Connectivity
The commencement of these flights is expected to drastically reduce travel time between these regions, which are often challenged by difficult terrain and road conditions, especially in winter. This enhanced connectivity is likely to benefit tourists, local residents, and business travellers alike.
This move strengthens the Ude Desh ka Aam Nagrik (UDAN) or Regional Connectivity Scheme's footprint in the Himalayan region, promoting economic development and accessibility. The successful operation in Himachal could pave the way for similar services in other remote and hilly areas of the country.
