Shimla now linked by heli taxi to Kullu, Reckong Peo (Kinnaur) and Chandigarh

New heli taxi routes announced

The launch of heli taxi services from Shimla to Kullu, Reckong Peo (Kinnaur) and Chandigarh has been officially inaugurated, introducing faster connections and added tourism potential across Himachal Pradesh.

What was launched and who’s involved

The state has rolled out a set of scheduled helicopter routes operating from the Sanjauli (Sanjouli) Heliport, flagged off by Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu. Operations are part of India’s UDAN regional connectivity scheme and are run by Heritage Aviation, whose CEO Rohit Mathur confirmed the service start. The initiative also received advocacy from Revenue Minister Jagat Singh Negi and support from Tourism Development Corporation Chairman Raghubir Singh Bali. The heliport project originally began under former CM Virbhadra Singh.

Key service details

Heritage Aviation will operate the routes using six-seater Airbus H125 helicopters, with daily frequencies and subsidized fares supported jointly by the state and the operator.

Benefits for travellers and locals

• Significant reduction in travel time between hill destinations and Chandigarh.
• Improved access for tourists, business travellers and patients needing urgent transfers.
• Boost to local employment and tourism revenue by opening remote districts like Kinnaur.
• Modern heliport infrastructure compliant with DGCA safety approvals.

Limitations and practical considerations

Helicopter operations in mountainous regions remain weather-dependent; services cannot be guaranteed year-round due to turbulence and adverse conditions. Passengers should note a strict 5 kg hand baggage allowance per person because of limited cabin space. Tickets are bookable through the operator’s website.

How the heli taxi affects ground transfers and local taxi services

Introducing heli taxis reshapes the last-mile equation. Faster air links will likely increase demand for timely airport and heliport pickups, precise drop-offs, and reliable luggage handling by local taxi providers. Ground transfer services, including private cars, cabs and shuttle operators, may see higher demand during heli arrival windows, underscoring the need to book transfers with drivers who know heliport procedures, exact pick-up locations and safety rules.

Practical tips for arranging transfers

• Pre-book a car or cab for exact pick-up time — tight schedules mean late arrivals can be costly.
• Confirm driver awareness of Sanjauli Heliport entry and waiting rules.
• Opt for providers that list vehicle make, model and driver ratings so you know what to expect.
• If you travel light, a private seater or a cheap cab may be enough; for groups, consider a larger private vehicle or limousine service.

Operational and policy background

The state has earmarked funds to expand heliport infrastructure, sanctioning INR 15 crore per heliport and planning new sites in Hamirpur, Palampur, Rakad (Kangra) and Chamba. Development of additional heliports in Solan and Sirmaur is also underway with central support. These investments aim to turn air links into a sustainable complement to road and rail, improving fares and service options over time.

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In summary, the Shimla heli taxi links to Kullu, Reckong Peo (Kinnaur) and Chandigarh represent a meaningful enhancement to regional connectivity and tourism infrastructure. While weather and capacity constraints mean helicopter services complement rather than replace road travel, they create new transfer and taxi market dynamics: sharper timing, precise pick-up locations, and demand for a range of vehicle sizes and fare options. For travellers wanting an exact service to match helicopter schedules, booking an appropriate car and driver in advance can secure a smooth transfer from heliport to destination. LocalsRide.com supports this shift by offering transparent, global booking options for private transfers, taxis and chauffeur services — showing vehicle make, model, seat count, license and ratings so you can choose the best service at the right price. The platform’s convenience and clear pricing help you get the most from faster air links and evolving travel options.