SERVICE TO BE EXTENDED TO RECKONG PEO; FLIGHTS TO OPERATE THREE DAYS A WEEK
Face2News/Shimla
Helicopter services between Sanjauli and Rampur in Himachal Pradesh will commence on October 21, 2026. The service will also connect Rampur with Reckong Peo, providing improved air connectivity to people living in remote and inaccessible areas of the state.
A spokesperson for the state government said here on Monday that the helicopter service would operate three days a week—Monday, Friday and Saturday.
According to the schedule, the helicopter will depart from Sanjauli at 9:55 am and reach Rampur at 10:30 am. It will then depart from Rampur for Reckong Peo at 10:50 am, 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.
The initiative aims to strengthen air connectivity and provide convenient transportation facilities to residents of remote and difficult-to-access areas.
The spokesperson said Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu had promised to introduce the helicopter service during his visit to the Rampur Assembly constituency in Shimla district. While interacting with local residents, the Chief Minister took note of the transportation difficulties faced by people living in remote areas and recognised the need for improved connectivity.
Considering the concerns and transportation requirements of local residents, the Chief Minister had announced the launch of helicopter services between Sanjauli and Rampur. In accordance with his directions, Pawan Hans Limited has initiated the process of introducing helicopter services on the Shimla-Rampur route under the Regional Connectivity Scheme (UDAN).
The spokesperson said the service would provide residents of the Rampur region with an alternative mode of transport to reach Shimla, reducing travel-related difficulties. The initiative marks an important step towards improving accessibility and strengthening regional air connectivity.
He further stated that under the Regional Connectivity Scheme UDAN 5.1, routes connecting Shimla, Rampur, Reckong Peo, Kullu, Manali, Mandi and Chandigarh have been awarded to Heritage Aviation and Pawan Hans Limited.
Heritage Aviation is operating flights under the regional connectivity scheme on the Shimla-Reckong Peo, Shimla-Kullu-Shimla and Chandigarh-Mandi via Kullu routes.Meanwhile, Pawan Hans Limited operates helicopter services between Shimla (Sanjauli) and Chandigarh three days a week under the Regional Connectivity Scheme.
In addition, nine extra flights are operated every week under the State Regional Connectivity Scheme. The state government bears 100 per cent of the Viability Gap Funding (VGF) for these flights, incurring an expenditure of approximately Rs. 35.70 lakh per month.
Through these arrangements, air connectivity between Shimla and Chandigarh has been ensured on six days a week.
