Himalayan Air Link Soars: New Helicopter Service Connects Sanjauli, Rampur, and Reckong Peo

The remote, difficult-to-reach areas of Himachal Pradesh are getting a much-needed air boost. A new helicopter service, connecting Sanjauli in Shimla district with Rampur and the Kinnaur district headquarters of Reckong Peo, is set to begin operations on October 21, 2026. This vital link, operating three days a week, aims to significantly cut travel time and provide easier access for residents and visitors alike, marking a key development under India's Regional Connectivity Scheme (RCS) UDAN. The initiative comes after Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu direct interaction with local communities, where he recognized the urgent need for better transport in these far-flung, often snow-bound regions. Traditional road journeys across the challenging Himalayan terrain can be arduous and time-consuming, making this air service a game-changer for daily commuters, emergency services, and even tourism. The broader RCS UDAN scheme itself is designed to make air travel affordable and connect India's underserved tier-2 and tier-3 cities, bringing regional areas closer to the national grid. Pawan Hans Limited will operate the Monday, Friday, and Saturday flights, departing from Sanjauli and providing direct onward connectivity to Reckong Peo. This new route is part of a larger push under UDAN 5.1, which has also awarded other critical Himalayan routes to operators like Heritage Aviation, signaling a growing focus on integrating Himachal Pradesh mountainous regions into India's expanding aviation network. This marks a tangible step towards more equitable access and economic development for the state's remote populations.