.Himachal Pradesh has taken a significant step toward modernising connectivity in its difficult hill terrain with the launch of a helicopter taxi service in Shimla. Starting October 21, 2026, residents and travellers can now fly between Shimla’s Sanjauli, Rampur, and Rekong Peo in Kinnaur — cutting travel time dramatically on routes that otherwise involve long, winding mountain road journeys.
Here is everything you need to know about the heli taxi service in Shimla.
What is the helicopter taxi service in Shimla?
The heli taxi service connects Sanjauli in Shimla with Rampur Bushahr and extends further to Rekong Peo, the district headquarters of Kinnaur. The service is operated by Pawan Hans Limited under the central government’s regional air connectivity programme UDAN (Ude Desh ka Aam Naagrik), which aims to make air travel accessible and affordable for common citizens.
The service was announced by Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu following interactions with residents of the Rampur assembly constituency who flagged the lack of fast transport connectivity. The launch is aimed at giving people in remote and difficult terrain areas a reliable, time-saving alternative to road travel.
Helicopter taxi Shimla — route and schedule
The heli taxi operates three days a week: Monday, Friday, and Saturday.
| Sector | Departure | Arrival |
|---|---|---|
| Sanjauli (Shimla) → Rampur | 9:55 AM | 10:30 AM |
| Rampur → Rekong Peo | 10:50 AM | 11:25 AM |
| Rekong Peo → Rampur | 11:30 AM | 12:05 PM |
| Rampur → Sanjauli (Shimla) | 12:10 PM | 12:45 PM |
The entire Shimla–Rampur–Rekong Peo–Rampur–Shimla circuit is completed within a single day, with the helicopter making a return trip on the same schedule.
How much time does it save?
By road, the journey from Shimla to Rampur takes approximately 3 to 4 hours depending on road and traffic conditions. Shimla to Rekong Peo by road can take anywhere between 7 to 9 hours. The heli taxi covers Shimla to Rampur in just 35 minutes and Shimla to Rekong Peo in approximately 90 minutes including the stopover at Rampur — a saving of several hours each way.
Helicopter taxi Shimla fares
Official fares for the Shimla heli taxi service under UDAN are yet to be officially published at the time of writing. Under the UDAN scheme, fares are typically subsidised to make air travel affordable. Wise Himachal will update this section as soon as official fare details are announced.
For current fare and booking information, travellers can check the Pawan Hans Limited website at pawanhans.co.in or contact the Shimla civil aviation office directly.
Who is this service for?
The heli taxi service in Shimla is particularly useful for government officials and employees travelling between Shimla and Kinnaur, patients from Kinnaur and Rampur needing to reach Shimla for medical treatment quickly, business travellers, tourists wanting to experience the aerial view of the Himalayas, and residents of Rampur and Kinnaur who need to reach Shimla for administrative or personal work without spending a full day on the road.
Things to keep in mind
Helicopter services in hilly terrain are subject to weather conditions and may be cancelled or delayed during poor visibility, rain, or snow. Passengers are advised to confirm the flight status before travelling to the helipad, carry valid photo ID, and arrive at the helipad at least 30 minutes before departure.
Where is the Shimla helipad?
The service operates from the Sanjauli helipad in Shimla. Sanjauli is a well-connected locality in Shimla city and is accessible by road from most parts of the city within 15 to 30 minutes.
