Авиатакси Шимлы открывает маршруты в Куллу, Ракчам (Киннаур) и Чандигарх

The new heli taxi service from Shimla to Kullu, Reckong Peo (Kinnaur) and Chandigarh has been inaugurated, marking a step toward improved connectivity and tourism in Himachal Pradesh. This piece outlines the service details, infrastructure developments, and implications for travellers.

What the new heli connections offer at a glance

Under the Government of India’s УДАН scheme, Heritage Aviation has launched daily heli taxi operations from the Sanjouli Heliport in Shimla. The routes are intended to provide faster access between hill towns and the state capital, reduce travel times for tourists and residents, and support emergency travel needs such as medical transfers.

Routes, schedules and fares

Important passenger details

• Luggage allowance: Due to helicopter limitations, passengers are permitted 5 kg of hand baggage only.
• Бронирование: Tickets can be booked via Heritage Aviation’s official website; fares are subsidised through a partnership with the Himachal Pradesh government.
• Safety and approvals: Operations have regulatory clearances from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA).

Infrastructure and regional development

The Sanjouli Heliport, whose foundation stone dates back to the tenure of former Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh, has been completed with state and central coordination. The state government has sanctioned INR 15 crore per heliport, and four additional heliports at Hamirpur, Palampur, Rakad (Kangra) and Chamba are expected to open by March–April next year. Work on heliports in Solan and Sirmaur is also planned with central support.

Local leadership and advocacy

The initiative was supported by state leadership, including Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, Revenue Minister Jagat Singh Negi and Tourism Development Corporation Chairman Raghubir Singh Bali. Heritage Aviation CEO Rohit Mathur emphasised the company’s optimism about demand given Himachal Pradesh’s tourism potential.

Weather and operational limitations

Helicopter services in mountainous terrain remain weather-dependent. Turbulence and adverse conditions may restrict operations, and services cannot be guaranteed year-round. Travellers should plan with flexibility in mind and check schedules close to travel dates.

Почему это важно для туризма

Improved air links make previously remote spots more accessible to high-value travellers, day-trippers and those needing urgent transfers. Faster connections can diversify local tourism offerings, enabling a mix of adventure activities, day excursions, and access to cultural sites in Kinnaur and Kullu. For communities, better connectivity may boost employment, hospitality demand and medical access.

Практические советы для путешественников

• Book early during peak seasons to secure limited seats.
• Travel light: adhere to the strict 5 kg baggage rule.
• Have contingency plans for road alternatives in case of weather cancellations.
• Consider combining heli legs with local tours, rafting or museum visits to maximise the trip.

Heritage Aviation’s introduction of six-seater Airbus H125 helicopters to these sectors should speed up regional transfers and open possibilities for curated travel packages linking Shimla, Kullu and Kinnaur. The move aligns with broader trends toward luxury adventure travel experiences and targeted regional tourism development.

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In summary, the Shimla heli taxi initiative under UDAN and operated by Heritage Aviation brings faster, subsidised helicopter connectivity to Kullu, Reckong Peo and Chandigarh, supported by new heliport infrastructure and regulatory approvals. Key points include limited luggage allowances, weather-dependent schedules, planned heliport expansion across the state, and the potential to broaden tourism offerings. While official fares and schedules make high-altitude travel more accessible, nothing replaces personal experience: travellers can combine these services with adventure activities, online virtual tours, safari tours, cruise packages and interactive cultural workshops to craft memorable itineraries. This development should encourage more visitors to explore Himachal’s natural beauty and benefit from improved access and diverse travel experiences.