States » NorthPosted at: Oct 21 2026 6:56PM


Himachal to launch helicopter services to Hamirpur, Chamba, Palampur within four months

Shimla, Oct 21 (UNI) Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu on Wednesday announced that helicopter services to Hamirpur, Chamba and Palampur would be launched within the next four months.
He made the announcement while inaugurating a helicopter service between Sanjauli and Rampur to strengthen air connectivity in the hill state.
The service, launched under the Regional Connectivity Scheme (UDAN) as part of the Heli-HOP Himachal Helicopter Service, fulfils a promise made by the Chief Minister during his visit to Rampur. The service will operate three days a week, on Monday, Friday and Saturday.
As per the schedule, the helicopter will depart from Sanjauli at 9.55 am and reach Rampur at 10.30 am. It will then leave Rampur at 10.50 am for Reckong Peo, arriving there at 11.25 am. The return flight from Reckong Peo will depart at 11.30 am and reach Rampur at 12.05 pm. The helicopter will leave Rampur for Sanjauli at 12.10 pm and arrive at 12.45 pm.
Addressing the occasion, Sukhu said the initiative was not merely a means of travelling from one place to another but also represented changing times, new thinking and vast development opportunities for the hill state.
He said improved air connectivity would reduce travel time, boost tourism, strengthen local businesses and generate new employment opportunities. The state government was working to identify suitable land in Shimla to strengthen air connectivity and expand aviation services.
The Chief Minister said the government had set a target of connecting every corner of Himachal Pradesh through helicopter services and was committed to providing convenient, accessible and reliable transport facilities to people, particularly those living in remote areas.
He said the state government was bearing the entire cost of Viability Gap Funding (VGF) for the helicopter services, spending approximately Rs 35.70 lakh per month on the initiative.
Sukhu added that work was underway to construct and develop 16 heliports across the state, including at all district headquarters, to further expand air transport facilities.
The Chief Minister also highlighted the government's efforts to expand Kangra's Gaggal Airport. He said the state government had disbursed Rs 2,400 crore from its own resources to people towards land acquisition for the airport's expansion.
He said that after the expansion of the airport, efforts would be made to connect all district headquarters through helicopter services. This would improve accessibility, promote tourism and create additional employment opportunities for local youth.
Sukhu said the state government's vision was to connect remote areas with better transport facilities, save people's time and ensure that development opportunities reached every region of Himachal Pradesh.
UNI BN
Tags: #Himachal to launch helicopter services to Hamirpur# Chamba# Palampur within four months
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