Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur today has asked the Managing Director of Pawan Hans company to slash the rates of Shimla-Dharamshala heli taxi services and start hei-tax service between Shimla and Manali to promote tourism in Himachal Pradesh.
In a meeting held at New Delhi today, Chief Minister met Managing Director, Sanjeev Razdan, Pawan Hans Ltd., a government undertaking company and reviewed its operations in Himachal Pradesh. Chief Minister also asked him to operate direct flights from Shimla to Dharamshala.
Jai Ram Thakur asked Razdan to start heli-taxi services from Shimla to Manali route at the earliest.
Chief Minister said that the state government was committed to provide best facilities to the residents as well as tourists visiting the state. Strengthening of heli taxi services would boost the tourism in Himachal Pradesh.
Managing Director Pawan Hans assured the Chief Minister that the rates for Shimla-Dharamshala heli taxi would be reduced shortly. He further said that the company would also make all out efforts to start Shimla-Manali flights and the matter has been taken with the Ministry of Defense for use of helipad at Manali.
He said the flights would commence from Shimla to Manali as soon as clearance is given from the Ministry. The matter is being pursued vigorously with GOI, he said.
Advisor to Chief Minister Dr. R. N. Batta was also present in the meeting.