Himachal Pradesh Launches Helicopter Service Connecting Shimla and Kinnaur

Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu inaugurated a new helicopter service on October 21, 2026, connecting Sanjauli in Shimla to Rampur and Rekong Peo in the Kinnaur region. Operating three days a week on Mondays, Fridays, and Saturdays, the service is provided by Pawan Hans Limited under the Regional Connectivity Scheme (RCS)-UDAN. The flights depart Sanjauli at 9:55 am and arrive in Rekong Peo at 11:25 am, significantly reducing travel time for residents and tourists.

The Government of Himachal Pradesh is financing the operation through Viability Gap Funding, with a monthly cost of approximately Rs 35.70 lakh. The initiative aims to accelerate medical emergency transport, promote local businesses, and provide connectivity to remote tribal areas.

Beyond the current route, the state government plans to expand air connectivity to Hamirpur, Chamba, and Palampur within the next four months. Further infrastructure projects include the development of 16 heliports across the state and the expansion of Gaggal Airport in Kangra, for which the government has already disbursed Rs 2,400 crore for land acquisition. Additionally, officials are exploring the use of a 17-seater helicopter for the Shimla-Chandigarh route and are in discussions with Pawan Hans to operate a 26-seater MI-172 helicopter.