Himachal Pradesh is set to bolster air connectivity to its remote regions with the commencement of new helicopter services linking Sanjauli, Rampur, and Reckong Peo. These services are scheduled to begin on October 21, aiming to significantly improve travel for residents in these less accessible parts of the state.
Information was available with The Chenab Times indicating that the helicopter service will operate three times a week, specifically on Mondays, Fridays, and Saturdays. The operational schedule details a departure from Sanjauli at 9:55 AM, with an anticipated arrival in Rampur by 10:30 AM. The journey will continue from Rampur to Reckong Peo, departing at 10:50 AM and reaching its destination at 11:25 AM. The return leg is planned to commence from Reckong Peo at 11:30 AM, arriving back in Rampur by 12:05 PM. The final leg of the service will see the helicopter depart from Rampur at 12:10 PM, with an estimated arrival back in Sanjauli at 12:45 PM.
The introduction of this service is a direct response to the concerns raised by residents of the remote areas. Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu had announced the plan for enhanced air connectivity following interactions with local communities during his visit to Rampur. During these engagements, the Chief Minister acknowledged the significant travel difficulties faced by individuals residing in the far-flung areas of Himachal Pradesh. Following the Chief Minister’s directives, Pawan Hans Limited (PHL), a public sector undertaking involved in helicopter services, was requested to initiate operations on the Shimla-Rampur route under the Regional Connectivity Scheme (RCS) of the central government’s UDAN initiative.
This new helicopter service is anticipated to offer a vital alternative mode of transportation, thereby easing the travel burden between these remote locations and the state capital, Shimla. The broader framework under which these routes have been awarded is RCS-UDAN 5.1, a government scheme aimed at boosting regional air connectivity across India. Under this scheme, several crucial routes connecting various parts of Himachal Pradesh and extending to Chandigarh have been allocated to two aviation operators: Heritage Aviation and Pawan Hans Limited. The awarded routes include those connecting Shimla, Rampur, Reckong Peo, Kullu, Manali, and Mandi, with some routes also extending to Chandigarh.
Heritage Aviation is already actively engaged in operating flights on routes such as Shimla-Reckong Peo, Shimla-Kullu-Shimla, and Chandigarh-Mandi via Kullu. Concurrently, Pawan Hans Limited is also contributing to the RCS-UDAN scheme by operating its own helicopter services three days a week between Shimla (Sanjauli) and Chandigarh. The expansion of these services, particularly to areas like Reckong Peo, which is the administrative headquarters of the Kinnaur district, is expected to have a positive impact on accessibility for both residents and potential visitors. Kinnaur district, known for its challenging terrain and remote villages, will particularly benefit from more reliable and faster travel options, potentially boosting local economies and improving access to essential services.
The Regional Connectivity Scheme, often referred to as UDAN (Ude Desh Ka Aam Nagrik), was launched by the Ministry of Civil Aviation to make air travel more accessible and affordable for the common citizen. The scheme focuses on developing new airports and revitalizing existing ones, as well as promoting helicopter and seaplane services to connect unserved and underserved routes. The success of UDAN is measured by the number of operational flights and the volume of passengers carried, with a focus on maintaining affordable fares. The addition of the Sanjauli-Rampur-Reckong Peo route is a testament to the ongoing efforts under this scheme to bridge geographical barriers and enhance the socio-economic development of remote regions across India.
The commencement of these helicopter services signifies a progressive step in enhancing the public transportation infrastructure within Himachal Pradesh. By providing a faster and more direct link to the capital, the government aims to reduce travel time and improve the quality of life for people living in the mountainous and remote areas. This development is expected to have a ripple effect, potentially encouraging tourism and facilitating easier access for government officials and healthcare professionals to these regions. The collaboration between the state government and aviation entities like Pawan Hans Limited and Heritage Aviation under the RCS-UDAN framework underscores a concerted effort to develop robust air connectivity solutions tailored to the unique geographical challenges of states like Himachal Pradesh.
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The Chenab Times News Desk
