KULLU/SHIMLA, JULY 6: People from Kullu and Mandi can now reach Chandigarh by helicopter in just 35 minutes, with Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu on Monday virtually inaugurating daily helicopter services connecting Kullu, Mandi and Chandigarh.
However, the sharp difference in fares has left many travellers scratching their heads, with the ticket from Mandi to Chandigarh priced at Rs 3,500, while passengers travelling from Kullu via Mandi to Chandigarh will have to shell out Rs 8,500.
The Mandi-Chandigarh helicopter service will operate under the Centre's Regional Connectivity Scheme (UDAN), where fares are subsidised, while the Kullu-Mandi-Chandigarh sector will be run by Heritage Aviation Pvt. Ltd. on a non-UDAN, market-based model, resulting in a much higher fare.
The helicopter will depart Kullu at 9 am, reach Mandi at 9.10 am, leave for Chandigarh at 9.15 am and land there at 9.45 am. On the return journey, it will take off from Chandigarh at 10 am, reach Mandi at 10.30 am, depart at 10.35 am and arrive in Kullu at 10.45 am.
The services will operate from the newly developed Kangnidhar Heliport in Mandi, which has been equipped with modern passenger facilities and operational infrastructure and is expected to emerge as an aviation hub for central Himachal.
Inaugurating the services from his official residence Oak Over, the Chief Minister said the new helicopter link marks another milestone in improving air connectivity in the state's remote and hilly regions. He said the service would cut travel time, boost tourism, improve emergency response and provide easier access for residents and visitors.
Highlighting the government's aviation expansion plans, Sukhu said heliports are being developed across the state. Construction of heliports at Jaskot (Hamirpur), Rakkar and Palampur (Kangra), and Chamba is nearing completion, while funds have also been earmarked for a heliport at Una. The government is also planning heliports at Nahan and Solan, besides constructing one at Rangrik in Lahaul-Spiti in collaboration with the Army.
The launch is expected to improve regional connectivity significantly, though the steep fare difference between the subsidised Mandi route and the market-priced Kullu service is likely to remain a key concern for regular travellers. ####
