Tourists visiting Shimla and Kinnaur from across India and abroad will soon have access to heli-taxi services, with operations set to commence in December following approval from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA).
The service will operate on the Mohali-Shimla-Rampur-Kalpa route, offering travelers from Chandigarh and Mohali a convenient and time-efficient way to reach tourist destinations in Shimla and Kinnaur. Pawan Hans Aviation has agreed to provide the services.
A significant advantage for tourists is that flights will land at Sanjauli Heliport in the heart of the city, eliminating the need to travel to Jubbarhatti airport located on the outskirts. The Tourism and Civil Aviation Department is in the final stages of finalizing routes, flight schedules, and fare structures with Pawan Hans.
The heliport, built at a cost of ₹18 crore near Chalaunti in Sanjauli, was inaugurated in January 2022. The facility includes parking space for 50 vehicles and is equipped for night landings, making it operational round the clock.
“Preparations are underway to start heli-taxi services from Sanjauli Heliport in December. Following the Chief Minister’s directions, routes, flight schedules, and fares are being finalized. Pawan Hans Aviation has agreed to provide the services,” said Vivek Bhatia, Director of Tourism and Civil Aviation Department.
The launch during the winter tourist season is expected to boost tourism business in the region. Beyond tourism, the heliport will serve crucial medical evacuation purposes. Patients from Rampur can be airlifted to IGMC Shimla and Chamiana Hospital, while critical cases can also be transported to PGI Chandigarh. The night landing capability will prove particularly valuable for emergency medical evacuations.
