Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu inaugurated a new helicopter service connecting Sanjauli, Shimla, with Rampur on Wednesday. The service, operating under the Regional Connectivity Scheme (UDAN) and branded as Heli-HOP Himachal Helicopter Service, is scheduled to run three times a week, specifically on Mondays, Fridays, and Saturdays.
Information was available with The Chenab Times that the Chief Minister also announced plans to extend helicopter services to Hamirpur, Chamba, and Palampur within the next four months. Speaking at the launch event, Sukhu described the initiative as more than just a mode of transport, characterizing it as a reflection of evolving times, progressive thinking, and the considerable development potential within the hill state.
He elaborated that the new service is expected to significantly reduce travel durations, provide a boost to the tourism sector, stimulate local businesses, and foster new employment prospects. The Chief Minister indicated that efforts are currently underway to identify suitable land in Shimla to enhance air connectivity and broaden the scope of air services within the region.
The state government has set an ambitious target of ensuring helicopter connectivity to every part of Himachal Pradesh, demonstrating a firm commitment to providing citizens with convenient, accessible, and dependable transportation options. The government is shouldering the entire financial burden of the Viability Gap Funding (VGF) for these helicopter flights, incurring an estimated expenditure of approximately Rs 35.70 lakh per month.
Further plans for expanding air transport infrastructure include the construction and development of a total of 16 heliports across the state. These heliports are intended to be established at all district headquarters, aiming to comprehensively upgrade the state’s air transport network.
Additionally, the state administration is actively pursuing the expansion of Gaggal Airport in Kangra. The government has already allocated Rs 2,400 crore from its own resources for land acquisition purposes related to this expansion project. Once the airport’s expansion is complete, the focus will shift to establishing helicopter service links to all district headquarters. This strategic development is anticipated to bolster tourism and create novel employment opportunities for the local youth.
The vision guiding the current state administration is to connect the remote areas of Himachal Pradesh with improved transport facilities, thereby conserving people’s time and ensuring that development initiatives reach every corner of the state.
The Chenab Times News Desk