Skies open up: Tourism to soar high with single-engine helicopter trial

Himachal Pradesh has taken a decisive step toward improving its aerial connectivity as a single-engine S-350 B3 helicopter operated by Pawan Hans successfully completed a trial flight from Sanjauli in Shimla to the SASE helipad in Manali. The trial, overseen by District Tourism Development Officer Rohit Sharma, is being viewed as a significant milestone that could transform travel and tourism in the hill state.

The initiative aims to offer tourists and residents a faster, more scenic and convenient transport option, especially in regions where mountainous terrain and congested roads make travel challenging. The choice of the S-350 B3 helicopter, known for its agility and cost-effectiveness, highlights the government’s intent to adopt practical solutions for last-mile connectivity.

This development builds on earlier efforts under the UDAN-II regional connectivity scheme, through which Pawan Hans launched regular helicopter services in Himachal in 2019. Routes such as Shimla-Kullu-Shimla and Shimla-Dharamsala-Shimla gained popularity due to their affordability.

A one-way ticket from Shimla to Kullu, for instance, cost just Rs 3,200, making air travel far more accessible to tourists and locals. At the time, the initiative provided a much-needed boost to tourism in the valley.

For destinations like Kullu and Manali, heli-services offer a dependable alternative to road travel, often hindered by traffic bottlenecks and unpredictable weather. The latest trial flight has revived hopes of expanding such services further. If regular operations begin, they could reduce travel time during peak tourist seasons, improve access to remote regions and positively impact the local economy.

Tourism officials believe reliable heli-services could ease pressure on Himachal’s overburdened road network while enhancing its appeal to high-end travellers seeking convenience. As Rohit Sharma noted, the successful trial marks the beginning of a new phase in the state’s air travel network.

With tourist footfall rising steadily in Manali and surrounding areas, the prospect of stable helicopter connectivity is being seen as both timely and transformative, aligning with broader efforts to integrate air services into Himachal’s tourism infrastructure.