Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu virtually inaugurated daily helicopter services on Monday, connecting Kullu, Mandi, and Chandigarh. The services operate from the newly developed Kangnidhar (Mandi) heliport, covering the Mandi–Chandigarh and Kullu–Mandi–Chandigarh sectors.
Operational Details and Schedule
The Mandi–Chandigarh service is operated under the Centre’s Regional Connectivity Scheme (RCS-UDAN), while the Kullu–Mandi–Chandigarh sector is run by Heritage Aviation Private Limited. The helicopter departs Kullu at 9:00 AM, arrives in Mandi at 9:10 AM, leaves Mandi at 9:15 AM, and reaches Chandigarh at 9:45 AM. On the return, it departs Chandigarh at 10:00 AM, arrives in Mandi at 10:30 AM, leaves Mandi at 10:35 AM, and reaches Kullu at 10:45 AM.
Fares and Connectivity
Under RCS-UDAN, the indicative airfare for the Mandi–Chandigarh sector is Rs 3,500, and for the Kullu–Mandi–Chandigarh sector it is Rs 8,500. The Kangnidhar Heliport, equipped with modern passenger amenities and operational infrastructure, serves as a key aviation hub for central Himachal Pradesh.
Government's Vision for Air Connectivity
CM Sukhu stated that the state government is making sustained efforts to strengthen air connectivity in remote and hilly areas. He said the services will substantially reduce travel time, promote tourism, enhance emergency response capabilities, and provide greater convenience to residents and visitors. He emphasized the focus on tourism, noting that heliports are being constructed at every district headquarters and prominent tourist destinations. Construction of four heliports—at Jaskot in Hamirpur, Rakkar and Palampur in Kangra, and Chamba—is in the final stage of completion.
