Heli-taxi services launched from Sanjauli helipad; CM Sukhu flags off

January 21, 2026

The Sanjauli Heliport in Shimla, the capital of Himachal Pradesh, has been officially opened for flights after receiving the necessary approvals. Two companies have already started heli-taxi services from the heliport. On Wednesday morning, Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu flagged off the first flight to Reckong Peo. Cabinet Minister Jagat Singh Negi also traveled to Kinnaur on this inaugural heli-taxi flight.

Heritage Aviation and Pawan Hans Limited are providing the heli-taxi services. Heritage Aviation will operate services from Shimla’s Sanjauli Heliport to Reckong Peo and Kullu, while Pawan Hans Limited will operate on the Chandigarh-Shimla route. These services are being launched under the Udan scheme. The Union Ministry of Civil Aviation had floated tenders for this. The central government will bear 80 percent of the operating cost of the heli-taxi service, and the state government will bear the remaining 20 percent.

Know the fares
Heritage Aviation will operate one flight a day from Shimla to Reckong Peo and two flights a day to Bhuntar. Pawan Hans Limited’s heli-taxi will operate on the Chandigarh-Shimla route three days a week: Monday, Friday, and Saturday. The fare from Shimla to Bhuntar will be Rs 3500 per person, while the fare from Shimla to Reckong Peo will be Rs 4000.

State Tourism Director Vivek Bhatia said that the Sanjauli Heliport has been officially opened after receiving operational clearance from the central government. This will boost tourism. Tourists will be able to enjoy the beautiful landscapes of Shimla from the heli-taxi. This will also promote adventure and religious tourism in the region. He added that Heritage Aviation will soon start heli-taxi services between Mandi and Chandigarh. There are also plans to increase the frequency of flights on the Shimla-Chandigarh route in the future.