Sky-High Connectivity: Sanjauli to Rampur Helicopter Service Starts October 21
Himachal Pradesh launches new helicopter flights connecting Sanjauli, Rampur, and Reckong Peo to boost connectivity in remote areas.
Travel across the rugged terrains of Himachal Pradesh is set to become significantly faster and more convenient. The state government has announced that the Sanjauli Rampur helicopter service will officially commence operations on October 21, bridging the gap between Shimla and the remote reaches of the state.
This new aerial link is not just limited to Sanjauli and Rampur; the service will extend further to Reckong Peo, providing a vital lifeline for residents and travelers heading toward the far-flung regions of the district.
Flight Schedule and Timings
To ensure organized travel, the helicopter service will operate three days a week—specifically on Monday, Friday, and Saturday. The meticulously planned itinerary is as follows:
The Outbound Journey:
- Sanjauli to Rampur: Departs at 9:55 am and lands at 10:30 am.
- Rampur to Reckong Peo: Departs at 10:50 am and arrives at 11:25 am.
The Return Journey:
- Reckong Peo to Rampur: Departs at 11:30 am and lands at 12:05 pm.
- Rampur to Sanjauli: Departs at 12:10 pm and reaches Sanjauli by 12:45 pm.
The Vision Behind the Wings
The initiative was born out of a direct interaction between Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu and the local residents of the Rampur area. During his visit, the Chief Minister recognized the immense hardships faced by people living in inaccessible areas who struggle with long, arduous road journeys.
Driven by the need to strengthen connectivity, the Chief Minister directed Pawan Hans Limited (PHL) to initiate these operations. The service is being launched under the Regional Connectivity Scheme (RCS) UDAN, aimed at making air travel accessible to the common man in underserved regions.
Expanding the Aerial Network in Himachal
This new route is part of a broader effort to enhance the state's aviation infrastructure. Under the RCS UDAN 5.1, several key routes connecting Shimla, Rampur, Reckong Peo, Kullu, Manali, Mandi, and Chandigarh have been awarded to Heritage Aviation and Pawan Hans Limited.
Currently, Heritage Aviation manages flights on the following routes:
- Shimla to Reckong Peo
- Shimla to Kullu (round trip)
- Chandigarh to Mandi via Kullu
Meanwhile, Pawan Hans Limited continues to maintain the crucial link between Shimla (Sanjauli) and Chandigarh. While the RCS covers flights three days a week, the state government has stepped in to operate an additional flight once a week under the State Regional Connectivity Scheme. To support this, the state government provides 100 per cent Viability Gap Funding (VGF), which amounts to approximately Rs 35.70 lakh per month, ensuring that Chandigarh and Shimla remain connected by air every single day of the week.