Shimla-Rampur-Reckong Peo helicopter service to start on October 21

Helicopter services linking Sanjauli in Shimla with Rampur Bushahr and Reckong Peo in Kinnaur will commence on October 21, officials said on Monday.

According to a state government spokesperson, the will operate three days a week — Monday, Friday and Saturday.

The helicopter will leave Sanjauli at 9.55 am and reach Rampur at 10.30 am. It will depart from Rampur at 10.50 am for Reckong Peo, arriving at 11.25 am.


Also Read: Himachal CM Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu reiterates commitment to balanced, inclusive development; highlights reforms in health, education

On the return journey, the helicopter will take off from Reckong Peo at 11.30 am and reach Rampur at 12.05 pm. It will then leave Rampur at 12.10 pm and arrive at Sanjauli at 12.45 pm, the spokesperson said.

Its aim is to improve the air connectivity and provide a convenient transport option for residents of remote and difficult-to-access areas of Himachal Pradesh.

The initiative was announced by Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu during a visit to Rampur, the spokesperson said.

Acting on the chief minister's directions, Pawan Hans Limited (PHL) had sought the launch of helicopter operations on the Shimla-Rampur route under the Regional Connectivity Scheme (RCS)-UDAN.

The service is expected to provide Rampur residents an alternative way to travel to Shimla and ease existing travel difficulties.

Under the RCS-UDAN 5.1, routes connecting Shimla, Rampur, Reckong Peo, Kullu, Manali, Mandi and Chandigarh have been awarded to Heritage Aviation and Pawan Hans Limited, the spokesperson added.

(With ANI inputs)