Sanjauli-Rampur-Peo Heli-Service Takes Off, But Steep Tariffs and Viability Questions Cloud Its Future
SHIMLA: Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu on Wednesday flagged off the much-awaited thrice-weekly helicopter service from Sanjauli to Rampur and onward to Reckong Peo under the Regional Connectivity Scheme (UDAN).
While the state government hailed the launch as a fulfilled political promise and a symbol of modern connectivity, serious questions persist over whether the service will prove cost-effective for locals and tourists or eventually stall over commercial unviability.
Operating every Monday, Friday, and Saturday under the 'Heli-HOP Himachal' banner, the chopper departs Sanjauli at 9:55 AM, reaches Rampur at 10:30 AM, and lands in Reckong Peo at 11:25 AM. The return leg leaves Reckong Peo at 11:30 AM, stops briefly in Rampur at 12:05 PM, and returns to Sanjauli by 12:45 PM.
However, beneath the celebratory inauguration lies a steep financial commitment. Chief Minister Sukhu disclosed that the cash-strapped state government is bearing the entire Viability Gap Funding (VGF) for these flights, shelling out approximately Rs 35.70 lakh per month from the public exchequer to keep the rotors spinning.
Despite this heavy state subsidy, tariffs remain on the higher side—largely out of reach for middle-class families and everyday commuters.
Transport analysts and locals point out that unless fares are made genuinely affordable, the operator could face chronically unfilled seats, running the risk that the service halts once the initial enthusiasm fades and commercial realities set in.
But the state footing the Viability Gap Funding bills, the company will continue to spin its rotors even if there are vacant seats.
Furthermore, the service’s appeal to Himachal’s core tourism market remains untested. The vast majority of travellers heading toward Kinnaur and Lahaul-Spiti actively prefer the road journey, seeking to savour the dramatic river valleys, orchards, and mountain passes along the highway.
Flying over the terrain defeats the primary purpose of a classic Himalayan road trip. Consequently, regular patronage may remain restricted to medical or official emergency passengers, alongside a niche segment of affluent tourists looking to experience the mountain scale on a crash, short-duration aerial holiday.
Unfazed by potential headwinds, the Chief Minister announced ambitious expansion plans during the launch:
New Routes Within Four Months: Helicopter services to Hamirpur, Chamba, and Palampur are slated to begin within the next four months.
Heliport Infrastructure: Construction and development are underway for 16 heliports across the state, aiming to link all district headquarters, alongside efforts to identify additional land in Shimla to expand air services.
Kangra Airport Expansion: The state government has disbursed Rs 2,400 crore from its own resources toward land acquisition for the expansion of Gaggal Airport in Kangra.
Calling the initiative a reflection of "changing times and new thinking," Sukhu maintained that air connectivity would save time, boost local businesses, and generate youth employment.
The launch at Sanjauli was attended by Shimla MLA Harish Janartha and others.
As the state commits crores to heliports and monthly operational subsidies, the true test of the Sanjauli-Rampur-Peo corridor will not be its inaugural takeoff, but whether its cabin remains full in the months ahead.
